How to Take an Accurate Blood Pressure Reading

Before you begin

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking for at least 30 minutes before measuring.
• Do not exercise within 30 minutes of taking a reading.
• Empty your bladder before sitting down.
• Rest quietly for at least 5 minutes in a seated position before your first measurement.

Step-by-step

1. Sit correctly. Use a chair with back support. Place both feet flat on the floor, uncrossed. Rest your arm on a flat surface with your upper arm at heart level.
2. Apply the cuff. Slide the cuff onto your bare upper arm, approximately 2 cm above the elbow crease. Align the teal artery marker with the brachial artery (inner arm). The cuff should be snug enough that you can just slip one finger underneath.
3. Select your user profile. Press the USER button to switch between User 1 and User 2 if needed. The active user number is shown on the display.
4. Start the measurement. Press the START button. The cuff will inflate automatically. Keep still and do not talk during inflation and deflation.
5. Read your results. After approximately 40 seconds, your systolic (top number), diastolic (bottom number), and pulse rate will appear on the display. The reading is automatically stored in memory.
6. Take a second reading. For clinical accuracy, wait 1–2 minutes and take a second reading. The VitaCheck M1 will calculate and display the average of your last three readings when you press MEM.

Common mistakes that affect accuracy

• Talking or moving during measurement.
• Cuff placed over clothing instead of bare skin.
• Arm hanging at the side rather than supported at heart level.
• Legs crossed during measurement.
• Using a cuff size that does not match your arm circumference (check the guide printed on the cuff).