Monitoring Your Blood Pressure

Feel your best by monitoring your blood pressure every day. High blood pressure can affect the health of your kidneys and your overall health too.

Tips for measuring your blood pressure

• Measure your blood pressure at the same time every day.
• Make sure your cuff is the right size – too small or too large cuffs will give incorrect readings.
• Avoid caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and exercise for 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure.
• Empty your bladder before taking your blood pressure.
• Sit quietly with your legs uncrossed for 3-5 minutes before checking your blood pressure.
• Take a repeat reading after one minute. Write your readings down.

Take your blood pressure every day!

Your blood pressure numbers

Your blood pressure has two numbers. The top number (systolic) measures the pressure put out when your heart beats. The bottom number (diastolic) measures the pressure between beats.