Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be taken while taking a BP reading as follows:
- Make sure your arm is elevated to the level of your heart, while taking a blood pressure reading. You can use a pillow or cushion, placed under the arm, to elevate it high enough to your heart level.
- Do not have tight clothing on the arm that you are reading the BP on, as it can result in an inaccurate reading. Wear loose and comfortable clothing, so that, the sleeve could be easily rolled up. You may even choose to slip your arm out of the sleeve, to prevent any inaccuracy. Inflate the cuff on bare skin of the limb, but not with any clothing on the limb.
- Maintain a calm and relaxed posture for 10 minutes before taking the reading. Avoid thinking about issues that can cause stress, while taking the BP reading, as stress can elevate the numbers. Also, avoid talking while taking the BP reading, to prevent any inaccuracy.
- If you have physical exercise as part of your daily morning routine, take your BP reading before having the exercise. Your numbers could run high after the exercise and affect the accuracy of the reading.
- Avoid having any caffeinated drinks, tobacco products, and alcoholic beverages before taking the BP reading, as they can elevate the BP and increase risk for inaccurate reading.
