Measuring your blood pressure at home correctly
Bad technique creates false alarms
Dr. Léa Dumas
Cardiologist
In simple terms
Cuff size, arm position and rest time change the reading more than you think.
Why home readings matter
Blood pressure taken at home over several days predicts cardiovascular risk better than a single measurement in a clinic, partly because it removes the anxiety effect known as white coat hypertension.
How to do it properly
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes first, back supported, feet flat, legs uncrossed.
- Rest the arm on a table so the cuff is at heart level.
- Use an upper-arm device with the right cuff size; a cuff that is too small gives falsely high numbers.
- Do not talk during the measurement.
- Take two readings a minute apart, morning and evening, for several days, and average them.
Reading the numbers
The upper number is the pressure when the heart contracts, the lower one when it relaxes. Home averages at or above 135/85 generally indicate hypertension, a slightly lower threshold than the clinic figure.
Do not adjust treatment yourself
One high reading after a stressful morning means nothing. Bring your log to your doctor and change doses only on medical advice.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Blood pressure
- The force of blood pushing against your artery walls. Too high, over years, damages the heart and vessels.
- Cardiovascular
- Related to the heart and blood vessels.
- Anxiety
- Ongoing worry or fear that is strong enough to affect daily life.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Measuring your blood pressure at home correctly?
- Cuff size, arm position and rest time change the reading more than you think.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Measuring your blood pressure at home correctly?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Measuring your blood pressure at home correctly?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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