6
BEfORE TAKING A MEASUREMENT
To ensure a reliable reading follow these recommendations:
1. Avoid eating, drinking alcohol, smoking, exercising, and bathing for 30 minutes
before taking a measurement. Rest for at least 15 minutes before taking the
measurement.
2. Stress raises blood pressure. Avoid taking measurements during stressful times.
3. Measurements should be taken in a quiet place.
4. Removetight-ttingclothingfromyourleftarm.
5. Sitonachairwithyourfeetatontheoor.Restyourleftarmontablesothatthe
cuff is at the same level as your heart.
6. Remain still and do not talk during the measurement.
7. Wait 2-3 minutes between measurements. The wait time allows the arteries to return
to the condition prior to taking the blood pressure measurement. You may need to
increase the wait time depending on your individual physiological characteristics.
8. Keep a record of your blood pressure and pulse readings for your physician. A
single measurement does not provide an accurate indication of your true blood
pressure. You need to take and record several readings over a period of time. Try to
measure your blood pressure at the same time each day for consistency.