8
BEFORE TAKING A MEASUREMENT
To ensure a reliable reading follow these recommendations:
1. Avoid eating, drinking alcohol, smoking, exercising, and bathing for
30 minutes prior to taking a measurement. Rest for at least 15
minutes prior to taking the measurement.
2. Stress raises blood pressure. Avoid taking measurements during
stressful times.
3. Measurements should be taken in a quiet place.
4. Remove tight-fitting clothing from your arm.
5. Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Rest your arm on
a table so that the cuff is at the same level as your heart.
6. Remain still and do not talk during the measurement.
7. Wait 2-3 minutes between measurements. The wait time allows the
arteries to return to the condition prior to taking the blood pressure
measurement. You may need to increase the wait time depending on
your individual physiological characteristics.
8. Keep a record of your blood pressure and pulse readings for your
physician. A single measurement may not provide an accurate
indication of your true blood pressure. You need to take and record
several readings over a period of time. Try to measure your blood
pressure at about the same time each day for consistency.
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