®Measure yourself
Measure and record
Sit with your back supported and your legs uncrossed; rest your arm on a table at heart level. Start the rest timer; when 5 minutes are up, take the first reading and enter the values. The page counts 1 minute; then take the second reading and enter it too. You can leave the pulse field blank.
Measurement time
Your recent readings (on this device)
Ready
Sit down, rest your arm on the table and start the rest timer.
Your readings are stored only on this device and are not sent anywhere. You can share the CSV file with your doctor.
For an accurate reading
- Use a validated device that measures at the upper arm, with a cuff that fits your arm.
- For 30 minutes before measuring, do not eat, and avoid smoking, coffee and exercise; go to the toilet first.
- Sit with your back supported and legs uncrossed; rest your arm on a table at heart level and put the cuff on your bare arm, about 2 cm above the elbow.
- Rest quietly for 5 minutes and do not talk during the measurement. Take two readings 1 minute apart in the morning (before your medicines) and in the evening.
- Record every reading as it is, including the high ones; use the same arm each time.
What does the result mean?
It is the average that counts, not single readings. A home average below 135/85 is considered normal; 135/85 or above (145/85 or above at age 80 and over) suggests high blood pressure. Home readings alone are not a diagnosis; your doctor assesses them together with clinic readings.
Do not change or stop your medicine based on single readings. Share your readings with your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I take two readings?
The first reading is often a little higher. The UK guideline (NICE) recommends taking two readings 1 minute apart each time. Blood Pressure UK also suggests that if the first reading is clearly higher than the other, you discard it and take another.
Why are the first day’s readings not counted?
When people start measuring at home, readings on the first day can be higher because they are getting used to it and feel anxious. For diagnosis, NICE recommends measuring for 4–7 days, discarding the first day’s readings and averaging the rest. This diary calculates the average in the same way.
My average came out above 135/85. What should I do?
This is not a diagnosis, but you should share your readings with your doctor. A home average of 135/85 or above (145/85 or above at age 80 and over) suggests high blood pressure. Your doctor makes the diagnosis and decides on treatment by assessing it together with clinic readings. Do not change your medicine based on single readings.
Which device should I use?
Use a clinically validated device that measures at the upper arm; wrist and finger devices are not recommended. The cuff should fit the size of your arm, and the device should be calibrated at least every 2 years. You can take your device with you when you see your doctor or nurse and have it checked for accuracy.
Why do home readings matter?
In some people, blood pressure is high only at the clinic, while in others it looks normal at the clinic but is high during the day. The European Society of Cardiology recommends out-of-office readings for diagnosis and notes that measuring your own blood pressure also supports sticking with treatment.
Exercise and lifestyle advice for lowering blood pressure is in the exercise for high blood pressure guide; for isometric exercise, see the wall sit timer.
Sources
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Hypertension in adults: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline NG136. Summary of home monitoring: GPnotebook.
- NHS 111 Wales. Blood pressure (high). Last updated 4 December 2024.
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. Self-blood pressure monitoring: key points. PI25/3366/06, October 2025.
- Blood Pressure UK. How to measure your blood pressure at home.
- McEvoy JW, McCarthy CP, Bruno RM, et al. 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of elevated blood pressure and hypertension. Eur Heart J. 2024;45(38):3912–4018. Summary: American College of Cardiology.
- nidirect (Northern Ireland). High blood pressure (hypertension). Last updated 26 February 2026.