Tips for Having Your
Blood Pressure Taken

	Don't drink coffee or smoke cigarettes 30 minutes before having your blood pressure measured.
	Before the test, sit for five minutes with your back supported and your feet flat on the ground. Rest your arm on a table at the level of your heart.
	Wear short sleeves so your arm is exposed.
	Go to the bathroom prior to the reading. A full bladder can change your blood pressure reading.
	Get two readings, taken at least two minutes apart, and average the results.
	Ask the doctor or nurse to tell you the blood pressure reading in numbers.

Back to Detection

Please send us your feedback, comments, and questions
by using the appropriate link on the page, Contact the NHLBI.

Note to users of screen readers and other assistive technologies:
please report your problems here.