How to use a BP machine at home

Sit for five minutes. Wrap the cuff on the bare upper arm, 2-3 cm above the elbow, at heart level. Do not talk. Press start. Write down systolic, diastolic and pulse. That is the method WHO-style home logs expect.

1. Rest

Feet on the floor. Back against the chair. No crossing legs. Wait after tea, a cigarette or a walk.

2. Place the cuff

On skin, not over a shirt. Too tight reads high. Too loose reads low. See cuff size.

3. Heart level

Arm on a table. Wrist units fail if the hand drops to the lap.

4. Stay still and log

Take two readings a minute apart if the first looks odd. Same time each morning and evening beats random checks. A reading above 180/120 needs emergency care, not another home cycle.