Tips for Checking Your Own Blood Pressure

There are certain factors that can cause blood pressure to temporarily rise. For example, blood pressure normally rises as a result of:

Stress
Smoking
Cold temperatures
Exercise
Caffeine
Certain medicines

Try to avoid as many of these factors as you can when taking your blood pressure. Also, try to measure your blood pressure at about the same time each day. Your doctor may want you to check your blood pressure several times during the day to see if it fluctuates.

Before Checking Your Blood Pressure

Find a quiet place to check your blood pressure. You will need to listen for your heartbeat.
Make sure that you are comfortable and relaxed with a recently emptied bladder (a full bladder may affect your reading).
Roll up the sleeve on your arm or remove any tight-sleeved clothing.
Rest in a chair next to a table for 5 to 10 minutes. Your arm should rest comfortably at heart level. Sit up straight with your back against the chair, legs uncrossed. Rest your forearm on the table with the palm of your hand facing up.