How to Measure Blood Pressure at Home Infographic

Blood Pressure Measurement Instructions

Before You Measure

  • No smoking, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, or exercise 30 minutes prior.
  • Use a validated device with the correct cuff size. (visit Validate BP to find a device you can trust.)
  • Empty your bladder.
  • Sit quietly for more than 5 minutes and do not talk.

Proper Positioning

  • Sit upright with back supported, feet on floor, and legs uncrossed.
  • Rest your arm comfortably on a flat surface at heart level.
  • Wrap the cuff on your bare skin above the bend of the elbow, not over clothing.

During Measurement

  • Stay relaxed and do not talk.
  • Take at least two readings, 1 minute apart.
  • Record all results once measurement is completed and share them with your health care professional to help confirm your office blood pressure category.

Blood pressure higher than 180/120 mm hg may be a hypertensive emergency*

  • *Wait a few minutes and take blood pressure again.
  • *If your blood pressure is still high and there are no other signs or symptoms, contact your health care professional.
  • *If you are experiencing signs of possible organ damage, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking, call 911.

American Heart Association recommended blood pressure levels

BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORY SYSTOLIC mm Hg (top/upper number) and/or DIASTOLIC mm Hg (bottom/lower number)
NORMAL LESS THAN 120 and LESS THAN 80
ELEVATED 120 – 129 and LESS THAN 80
STAGE 1 HYPERTENSION (High Blood Pressure) 130 – 139 or 80 – 89
STAGE 2 HYPERTENSION (High Blood Pressure) 140 OR HIGHER or 90 OR HIGHER
SEVERE HYPERTENSION (If you don’t have symptoms*, call your health care professional.) HIGHER THAN 180 and/or HIGHER THAN 120
HYPERTENSIVE EMERGENCY (If you have any of these symptoms*, call 911.) HIGHER THAN 180 and/or HIGHER THAN 120
*symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, change in vision, or difficulty speaking

Learn more at heart.org/bp.

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Last Updated: Aug 14, 2025