How to Measure Your Blood Pressure

What should I do before I check my blood pressure?

30 minutes before taking a blood pressure reading:

• Avoid caffeine
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid exercise and other activities that raise your blood pressure

How do I check my blood pressure?

1. Wear a short-sleeve shirt. Go to the bathroom if you need to (a full bladder can raise your blood pressure).
2. Sit in a chair at a table. Let the chair support your back and keep your feet flat on the floor, legs uncrossed.
3. Sit quietly for a minute or two before taking a measurement.
4. Slide the cuff onto your upper arm with the air tube resting on your inner elbow. The cuff should be on bare skin.
5. Close the velcro cuff. It should feel snug, but not tight. You should be able to fit one or two fingers under it.
6. Place your lower arm on the table with the palm of your hand facing up.
7. With your free hand, start the blood pressure monitor — don’t talk or move during the reading.
8. The cuff will inflate as it measures your blood pressure.
9. When the measurement is finished, the monitor displays your blood pressure and heart rate.
10. Write down your blood pressure and heart rate.
11. Wait a minute or two and take another reading.
12. Send us both sets of results in the Firefly Health app.

What does my blood pressure reading mean?

If your blood pressure reading is…

• Less than 129 and less than 85: your blood pressure is normal
• 130–139 and/or 85–89: your blood pressure is elevated
• 140–179 or 90–119: your blood pressure is high
• 180+ and/or 120+: this is considered a hypertensive crisis — go to the ER right away

How often should I check my blood pressure?

Aim for 2 times in a row in the morning and 2 times in a row in the evening every day until your blood pressure is in range, unless your provider tells you otherwise.

Why do I need to check my blood pressure this often?

Because blood pressure can vary from day to day, it’s important to take readings consistently and know how you are trending. One random reading isn’t as useful as a week of readings.

Monitoring your blood pressure can also help providers know if your medication is working. (If it isn’t, they can adjust your treatment.)