High blood pressure (hypertension)

To monitor your blood pressure using an automatic blood pressure monitor, find a comfortable place to sit with good back support at a table or desk.

When you're ready to take your blood pressure, sit quietly for three to five minutes beforehand.

Place your feet flat on the floor and rest your arm on a tabletop even with your heart. Lean against the back of the chair. Stretch out your arm, palm upward.

Place the cuff on your bare upper arm one inch above the bend of your elbow. Make sure the tubing falls over the front center of your arm so that the sensor is correctly placed. Pull the end of the cuff so that it's evenly tight around your arm. You should place it tight enough so that you can only slip two fingertips under the top edge of the cuff. Make sure your skin doesn't pinch when the cuff inflates.

To get started, wait a moment, then press start. Remain still and quiet as the machine begins measuring. The cuff will inflate, then slowly deflate so that the machine can take your measurement. When the reading is complete, the monitor displays your blood pressure and pulse on the digital panel. If the monitor doesn't record a reading, reposition the cuff and try again. Rest quietly and wait about one to two minutes before taking another measurement.

Record your numbers, either by writing the information down or by entering the information into an electronic personal health record. Some monitors can upload your blood pressure readings automatically into a computer or mobile device.

VIDEO HELP

If the video does not play, you may need to download and install the latest version of the Adobe Flash Player. For additional troubleshooting tips, browse the Multimedia FAQ.