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What to Do Before Having Your Blood Pressure Taken?

You don't want to consume coffee or smoke cigarettes right before having your blood pressure taken, you want to dress properly and you don't want your nerves to get the best of you. All of these factors can lead to an inaccurate blood pressure reading.

  1. Before Leaving the House

    • When you are getting dressed, wear short sleeves so you can quickly expose your arm for the blood pressure cuff. Do not wear layers of shirts or clothes that you are not comfortable in. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends you stop drinking coffee, tea or other caffeine-based drinks 30 minutes before having your blood pressure taken. Also stop smoking cigarettes 30 minutes before your doctor visit. Before you leave the house, use the bathroom. A full bladder can lead to an inaccurate blood pressure reading.

    At the Doctor's Office

    • Once you are at the doctor's office, use the bathroom again if you have to. If wearing a coat, remove it before sitting down to relax. Sit down for five minutes with your feet flat on the ground and your back against the chair. Relax and calm down. Rest your arms on a table at the level of your heart.

    Talking to Your Doctor

    • The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends you get two blood pressure readings, taken two minutes apart and then have the results averaged. This average will give you a better idea of your true blood pressure instead of having just one set of numbers. Have your doctor or nurse explain the blood pressure numbers (Systolic/ Diastolic) to you and the range your numbers are in: 140 - 90 - Borderline High, 130 - 85 - High Normal, 120 - 80 - Normal Blood Pressure, 110 - 75 - Low Normal or 90 - 60 - Borderline Low.

    The White Coat Syndrome

    • If your blood pressure numbers are high and you haven't had past high readings, discuss with your doctor the possibility of white coat syndrome---being nervous around doctors, nurses, the examination room and the smells of the clinic or hospital. Have your doctor or nurse recheck your blood pressure again after you have relaxed for a period of time. Talk to your doctor about this condition and what would be the best option for obtaining an accurate blood pressure reading.

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