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2.5 Sitting Correctly
To take a measurement, you need to be relaxed 
and comfortably seated in a room with a 
comfortable temperature. Place your elbow on the 
table to support your arm.
• Sit in a chair with your legs uncrossed and your 
feet flat on the floor.
• Sit with your back and arm being supported.
• Your monitor must be approximately the same 
level as your heart. If the monitor is too high 
above your heart, your blood pressure will be 
artificially low. If the monitor is too low below 
your heart, your blood pressure will be 
artificially high.
• Relax your wrist and hand. Do not bend your 
wrist back, clench your fist, or bend your wrist forward.