Blood Pressure at Home: A Simple Guide to Accurate Readings
Home BP monitoring helps your doctor adjust treatment. Follow these steps to make sure your readings are accurate.
- Author
- Pharmacy Team
- Published
- Reading time
- 1 min read
Before you measure
- Avoid tea, coffee, smoking and exercise for 30 minutes.
- Empty your bladder and sit quietly for 5 minutes.
- Sit with your back supported, feet flat and arm resting at heart level.
Taking the reading
- Wrap the cuff on bare skin, about 2 cm above the elbow.
- Stay still and silent while the monitor measures.
- Take two readings one minute apart and note both.
What the numbers mean
| Reading (mmHg) | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 120/80 | Normal |
| 120–139 / 80–89 | Elevated / pre-hypertension |
| 140/90 or higher | High — consult your doctor |
Keep a log with the date and time and share it with your doctor. Never change your BP medicine dose on your own.