It is essential to learn and know how to correctly take your blood pressure at home. Incorrectly doing so may cause a false reading and misdiagnose you to have high blood pressure. These are 10 common mistakes people do at home that can cause a false reading. 

1. Eating or drinking caffeinated liquids 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure

2. Sitting with her legs crossed and not having your feet flat on the ground

3. Sitting in an uncomfortable chair with no back support and not waiting at least five to six minutes before taking your measurements

4. Not having the cuff at heart level and on a hard flat surface.

5. Taking your measurements over clothing and not on your bare skin

6. Talking amongst yourself or with other people while taking your blood pressure

7. Using the incorrect size cuff that is too big or too tight against your bare skin

8. Having the air tube upward instead of downward along the inner arm

9. Having the tube over the middle of the arm

10. Not emptying your bladder before taking your blood pressure reading.

It is important to avoid these 10 common mistakes when taking your blood pressure at home. Following this guideline will help you avoid these mistakes and will help get an accurate blood pressure measurement.

Related Links:

• High Blood Pressure

• AAMG Health Education Resources

• CDC - Measuring Your Blood Pressure