How to Measure Blood Pressure at Home Infographic

Blood Pressure Measurement Instructions

Use a properly calibrated and validated device. Check the cuff size and fit.

In the 30 minutes before your blood pressure is taken:

  • No smoking
  • No exercise
  • No caffeinated beverages
  • No alcohol

Rest for at least 5 minutes. Sit calmly and don’t talk. While you prepare to take your blood pressure:

  • Relax.
  • Don't talk.
  • Rest your arm comfortably on a flat surface at heart level.
  • Sit upright, back straight and supported.
  • Keep legs uncrossed and feet flat on the floor.

Right before:

  • Place the bottom of the cuff above the bend of the elbow.
  • Wrap it against your bare skin, not over clothing.

Take at least two readings 1 minute apart in the morning before taking medications and in the evening before going to bed. Record all results. (If you notice that one arm shows a higher reading than the other, use the arm with the higher reading.)

American Heart Association recommended blood pressure levels

BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORY SYSTOLIC mm Hg (upper number) and/or DIASTOLIC mm Hg (lower number)
NORMAL LESS THAN 120 and LESS THAN 80
ELEVATED 120 – 129 and LESS THAN 80
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 1 130 – 139 or 80 – 89
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 2 140 OR HIGHER or 90 OR HIGHER
HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS (consult your doctor immediately) HIGHER THAN 180 and/or HIGHER THAN 120

Blood pressure higher than 180/120 mm Hg is a crisis.*

*Wait a few minutes and take blood pressure again.

  • If your blood pressure is still high and there are no other signs or symptoms, contact your health care professional immediately.
  • If you are experiencing signs of possible organ damage, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking, call 911.

Learn more at heart.org/bp.

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Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025