How Long Should You Sit Still Before Reading Your Blood Pressure?

Hypertension is often present without any symptoms. Many people rush around and arrive at their doctor appointment on time, only to have to sit and wait to go to an exam room and then wait some more for the doctor to finally appear. Thus, the stress and anxiety of the visit can make your blood pressure reading high. There are ways to determine an accurate blood pressure reading at home.

Technique

• Purchase a blood pressure monitor. These are available at discount stores and pharmacies and range in price from $30 to around $100. Talk to a salesperson or your doctor to determine if a digital or manual blood pressure monitor is right for you.

  Sit down in a comfortable chair; stretch your arm out on a counter top or desk level with your heart.

  Rest for at least five to 10 minutes, and then proceed to take your blood pressure.

  Place the cuff on your upper arm, about 1 inch above the crook of your elbow. Wrap the cuff around your arm, make sure it is not too loose; it needs to be snug but not too tight.

  Follow the directions that came with your monitor and take your blood pressure reading.

  Document the reading in a small notebook along with the time, date, and notation of which arm you took your reading on.

  Take your blood pressure reading once daily if you and your doctor are having trouble controlling your blood pressure, once a week is plenty if your pressure is well managed. Take the notebook along with you to your doctors' visit; this will help him track your progress and adjust your medications.