Measuring Blood Pressure

• Check your blood pressure regularly, as directed by your doctor.
• In the week leading up to your appointment with your doctor, and whenever changes are made to your medication, take 2 readings, twice a day.
• In the morning, take your blood pressure before breakfast and before taking your medication.
• At night, take your pressure before taking your medication and before bathing.

• Wait 2 hours after a big meal.
• Do not smoke or drink caffeine for 60 minutes before taking your blood pressure.
• Do not exercice for 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure.
• Rest and relax for at least 5 minutes.
• Empty your bladder.
• Make sure that you have the right size cuff. There are different types of cuffs for children and overweight individuals.

Taking your blood pressure:

Sit up straight with your back supported, and your elbow at about the level of your heart with your arm supported on a table. Do not cross your legs. Both feet should be flat on the floor. Place the cuff on your bare arm, pushing sleeves up. Place the tensiometer on the table. Position the cuff above the bend in the elbow and adjust by gently tightening. The tensiometer tubing should point towards the hand, not the shoulder. Place your forearm on the table, palm facing upwards. Follow the instructions for your tensiometer. Record the time, date and readings in your blood pressure monitoring form.

Don't forget to have your monitor calibrated by your pharmacist once a year to make sure that it is in proper working order.