When taking your blood pressure, your arm and the monitor should rest on a table so that the cuff is at the same level as your heart.  If possible sit down for 5 minutes before hand with your feet on the floor.  It is best to have avoided caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and vigorous exercise ideally for 4-6 hours prior to measurement. 

 Remove any tight fitting clothing from your RIGHT arm and place the cuff on the upper arm so that the green marker lies over the centre of the limb, in line with the middle finger, about 1 – 2 cms above the  skin crease of the elbow.

The cuff should fit snugly and evenly around the upper arm.  During measurement, your arm should be relaxed, flexed at the elbow and with palm upward.

 Follow the instructions given with the blood pressure machine when you use it. 

It is recommended to take readings over a seven day period with at predefined times (0600-0900 h and 1800-2100 h). Take the lowest of 3 readings and note down at each occasion.

 If you get an error message (they are fairly common) check that the cuff is fitted correctly, there is no clothing restricting the upper arm and that the connecting tube is securely fitted into the machine.  Take the measurement again taking care not to move during the process.  Even talking a lot can interfere.