How to Measure Blood Pressure at Home Infographic
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Blood Pressure Measurement Instructions
Use a validated monitor.
Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for help.
In the 30 minutes before your blood pressure is taken:
- No smoking.
- No exercise.
- No caffeinated beverages.
- No alcohol.
For 5 minutes before your blood pressure is taken:
- Sit still in a chair.
Right before:- Make sure the cuff is the right size.
- Wrap it just above the bend in the elbow.
- Wrap it against skin, not over clothing.
- While your blood pressure is being taken:
- Relax.
- Don't talk.
- Rest the cuffed arm comfortably on a flat surface (like a table) at heart level.
- Sit upright, back straight and supported.
- Keep legs uncrossed and feet flat on the floor.
- After:
- if at home, wait one minute and take a second reading. average the readings.
- consider a third reading.
- Recommendations:
- Keep a journal. bring it to every checkup.
- Have your health care provider check your monitor annually.
GoRedforWomen.org
American Heart Association recommended blood pressure levels
| Blood Pressure Category | Systolic mm Hg (upper number) | Diastolic mm Hg (lower number) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | Less than 120 | and | Less than 80 |
| Elevated | 120-129 | and | Less than 80 |
| High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1 |
130-139 | or | 80-89 |
| High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2 |
140 or higher | or | 90 or higher |
Blood pressure higher than 180/120 mm hg is a crisis.*
*Wait five minutes and take your blood pressure again.
If your readings are still high, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Learn more at heart.org/hbp
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Learn more about monitoring blood pressure at home.
