How to check your blood pressure

Most people with hypertension should use a home monitor regularly. So should many people with prehypertension—particularly if they have other risk factors for heart disease. In general, you should check pressure at least twice a week at about the same time of day, and as often as twice a day if the hypertension isn't well controlled or if the treatment has changed. Here is how to get the most accurate results:

• Wait at least a half-hour after eating, drinking beverages with caffeine, smoking, or exercising before you test.
• Remove clothing or jewelry that interferes with placement of the cuff. If necessary, empty your bladder before testing.
• Sit in a comfortable chair, preferably one with a back for support, and relax for at least 5 minutes before testing. Keep your feet flat on the floor. Don't talk, move, or cross your legs.
• With an arm monitor, adjust the cuff as directed by the product's manufacturer. The monitor's instructions should explain the proper positioning.
• Rest your arm on a table so that the cuff is at the same height as your heart. For wrist monitors, instructions direct you to place your wrist at the level of your heart.
• Do your initial tests on both arms. If the readings differ by more than a few points, check with your physician. If not, just use the more comfortable side.
• Take two readings about 1 or 2 minutes apart. Typically, the second reading will be lower. If the results differ by more than 5 points, take a third reading and average the results. Some automatic monitors will average three closely spaced readings automatically.