How to measure your blood pressure correctly
Take the measurement while sitting or lying down in a quiet place and relax for five minutes before you start. Then take two readings 12 minutes apart. Please record both readings.
The measurement should be taken at heart level. This is especially important when using a wrist device while seated. Rest your arm on the table. The cuff on upper-arm devices is usually automatically at the correct height.
Please place your arm on the table or support it, for example with a cushion. If the arm is just in your lap or hanging down, the readings can be distorted. When using an upper-arm cuff, the arm should be bare. If you roll up your sleeve, make sure it does not restrict blood flow. Some devices allow measurement over thin clothingcheck the instructions for your device.
Please place your arm on the table or support it, for example with a cushion. If the arm is just in your lap or hanging down, the readings can be distorted. When using an upper-arm cuff, the arm should be bare. If you roll up your sleeve, make sure it does not restrict blood flow. Some devices allow measurement over thin clothingcheck the instructions for your device.
Do not talk or move during the measurement.
Do not measure immediately after meals.
Do not measure right after smoking or drinking coffee.
Do not measure immediately after a bath.
Avoid having an overly full bladder.
The room should not be too cold.
Wait at least 30 minutes after exercise or physical activity before measuring.
According to guidelines, take two measurements 12 minutes apart.
Follow the instructions for your specific device in the user manual.
Source:
- https://www.hochdruckliga.de/fileadmin/downloads/mediziner/leitlinien/Pocket-Leitlinie_Hypertonie_2018.pdf
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2824754?guestAccessKey=f167dda3-8cad-4f34-99ca-79865446c64f&utm_source=for_the_media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_content=tfl&utm_term=100724
This article comes from BloodPressureDB – the leading app since 2011 that helps hundreds of thousands monitor their blood pressure every day.
Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based data and is continuously updated (as of 11/2025).
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care, and has led BloodPressureDB's specialist editorial team since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder and in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides solid, practical and reliably reviewed information.
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care, and has led BloodPressureDB's specialist editorial team since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder and in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides solid, practical and reliably reviewed information.
We hope you found the article helpful. Accurate measurements are essential for good blood pressure control. Our app BloodPressureDB can help with that. Clear instructions walk you through taking measurements according to current guidelines.
The app can also remind you if you wish. These features are fully available in the free version as well. Get the free app now.
