• Only measure and record your blood pressure if you have time to do it correctly. 
  • Do not smoke or drink caffeine (coffee, tea, cola and some sports drinks) for 30 minutes beforehand.
  • Wait for at least two hours after a big meal or heavy physical activity
  • Do not measure your blood pressure when you are upset, uncomfortable, cold, anxious, stressed or in pain.
  • Empty your bladder or bowel before starting, if necessary.
  • Measure blood pressure in the morning before taking medications and eating and in the evening before going to bed, bathing or taking medications.