Rest a few minutes before measuring blood pressure

  Before measuring blood pressure, the person to be measured needs to rest quietly for at least 20-30 minutes to ensure that the measurement is performed in a quiet, steady state. Smoking and coffee are prohibited for 30 minutes prior to the measurement, and the bladder is emptied.  Each time the blood pressure is measured, the patient’s arm should be kept at the same level as the heart. If the patient is in a sitting position, the arm should be placed on the table, and in a lying position, the arm should be placed on the side of the body. In addition, the patient’s cuff should be appropriately tightened, as a tight or loose cuff can affect the blood pressure value. At the same time, patients with hypertension should try to take their blood pressure at the same time of day, such as before breakfast, before going to bed or in the morning, and should keep their mood happy and not overly nervous when taking the blood pressure to ensure accurate measurement.  In addition, those without hypertension are advised to have their blood pressure measured regularly on a daily basis. If symptoms such as dizziness, panic attacks, or chest tightness occur, it is recommended that blood pressure be taken immediately. When taking blood pressure for the first time, it is recommended to measure the blood pressure of both upper limbs, whichever side has the higher blood pressure.