Gone are the days when to take blood pressure, one had to visit the doctor’s clinic. With easy to use digital monitors, anyone can measure their blood pressure at home, and that too as many times as needed.However, the digital blood pressure machine should be used in the correct way only, else your readings might be inaccurate. Here is how you should measure your blood pressure…

The best time to measureExperts recommend measuring your blood pressure at the same times every day to get consistent readings. The best times are:Morning:Before breakfast and before taking any medication.Evening: Before going to bed.Measuring at these times helps track your blood pressure when it is most stable. Avoid measuring right after exercise, smoking, drinking caffeine, or eating, as these can temporarily raise your blood pressure. Also, rest quietly for at least 5 minutes before taking a reading to let your body relax.Proper seatingYour body position affects your blood pressure reading. Follow these steps for correct posture:Sit in a chair with your back straight and supported. Avoid slouching or leaning forward.Keep your feet flat on the floor. Do not cross your legs, as crossing can raise your blood pressure.Rest your arm on a flat surface, like a table, so that your upper arm is at heart level. This helps the cuff measure pressure accurately.Keep your arm relaxed and still during the measurement. Avoid tensing your muscles or making a fist.How to Use the Blood Pressure Monitor CorrectlyUse the right cuff size. The cuff should fit snugly around your upper arm, about 2 to 3 cm above the bend of your elbow. A cuff that is too small or too large can give wrong readings.

Place the cuff on bare skin, not over clothes. Roll up your sleeve or remove tight clothing to avoid interference.Follow the instructions that come with your monitor. Different models may have slight variations in use.Stay still and quiet during the measurement. Talking, moving, or laughing can affect reading.Taking Multiple Readings and Recording ResultsTo ensure accuracy:Take two or three readings, about one to two minutes apart.If the first reading is very different from the others, take an additional reading and use the average of the last two.Record all your readings in a notebook, app, or the monitor’s memory. This record helps your doctor see trends and decide on treatment.Additional Tips for Reliable ReadingsMeasure your blood pressure in both arms when you start. Use the arm with the higher reading for future measurements.Avoid caffeine, smoking, and exercise for at least 30 minutes before measuring.Empty your bladder before taking a reading, as a full bladder can increase blood pressure.Do not measure when you feel stressed or anxious. Take a few deep breaths and relax before measuring.When to Consult a DoctorIf your home readings are consistently high or low, or if you experience symptoms like dizziness or chest pain, contact your healthcare provider. Bring your blood pressure log to your appointments to help your doctor assess your condition accurately