How to check your blood pressure using a blood pressure machine

What is a normal blood pressure reading?

A normal reading is below 130/80, but if you have heart or circulatory disease, diabetes or kidney disease, your blood pressure should ideally be less than 130/80.

If you want to monitor your blood pressure at home, it can be a good idea to get a Blood Pressure Machine that lets you keep a track of your blood pressure readings at times that are suitable for you, in the comfort of your own home.

In order for it to be an accurate reading it`s important that you`re resting and that you`re not feeling anxious or stressed.
Sit upright in a chair, your back against the back of the chair, and place your feet flat on the floor.
Rest your arm on a table if you have one and just make sure your hand and arm are relaxed on the table. It`s important that you don`t clench your fist when you`re taking your blood pressure.
Place the cuff over your upper arm and tighten the cuff over your arm, making sure you can fit two fingers underneath the cuff. You want the cuff to be over the upper part of your arm with the tubing leading down the centre or slightly to the right of your arm.
When you check your blood pressure, don`t talk and just relax. Press the on button, and then press the start button.
You`ll feel the cuff inflate quite rapidly. It may temporarily be a bit tender or uncomfortable for, as the cuff inflates and deflates automatically, but this will only be for a short period of time. If it is too tender/uncomfortable you can just press the `Stop` button and the cuff will instantly deflate.
Once you get your reading, make a note of the reading. Some blood pressure machines now come with a printer. This allows you to stick your print outs in your diary.
A few minutes after you`ve taken your blood pressure, it`s a good idea to check it again, to make sure the readings are similar and accurate.
If you`ve been asked by your GP or nurse to check your blood pressure, take it twice a day – morning and evening – and then make an appointment to see him or her to discuss the results.