How to measure blood pressure correctly
Take the measurements while sitting or lying down in a quiet environment, and rest for five minutes before measuring. Then take two measurements 1-2 minutes apart. Please record both measurements.
The measurement should be taken at heart level. This is particularly important when measuring while seated with a wrist monitor. Rest your arm on the table. With upper arm monitors, the cuff is usually automatically positioned at the correct height.
Please rest your arm on the table or support it appropriately, e.g. with a cushion. If your arm is simply resting in your lap or hanging down, this may distort the readings. When measuring with an upper arm cuff, the arm should be bare. If you roll up your sleeve, make sure this does not restrict blood flow. Some monitors allow measurements to be taken through thin clothing. Please follow the instructions for your monitor.Sit back in a relaxed position and place both feet on the floor. Do not cross your legs.
Please rest your arm on the table or support it appropriately, e.g. with a cushion. If your arm is simply resting in your lap or hanging down, this may distort the readings. When measuring with an upper arm cuff, the arm should be bare. If you roll up your sleeve, make sure this does not restrict blood flow. Some monitors allow measurements to be taken through thin clothing. Please follow the instructions for your monitor.Sit back in a relaxed position and place both feet on the floor. Do not cross your legs. 
Do not talk or move during the measurement.
Do not measure directly after meals.
Do not take a measurement immediately after smoking or drinking coffee.
Do not measure immediately after taking a bath.
Your bladder should not be too full.
The surroundings should not be too cold.
Wait at least 30 minutes after exercise or physical activity before taking a measurement.
According to guidelines, take two measurements one to two minutes apart.
Follow the instructions for the respective measuring device in the associated operating manual.
Source:
- https://www.hochdruckliga.de/fileadmin/downloads/mediziner/leitlinien/Pocket-Leitlinie_Hypertonie_2018.pdf
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2824754?guestAccessKey=f167dda3-8cad-4f34-99ca-79865446c64f&utm_source=for_the_media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_content=tfl&utm_term=100724
This article is from Tensana – the leading app since 2011, helping hundreds of thousands of people monitor their blood pressure every day.
Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based data and is continuously updated (as of 11/2025).
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as outpatient care, and has headed the specialist editorial team at Tensana since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as an emergency medical technician, first responder, and in various areas of therapy and emergency care, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably verified information.
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as outpatient care, and has headed the specialist editorial team at Tensana since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as an emergency medical technician, first responder, and in various areas of therapy and emergency care, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably verified information.
We hope you found the article helpful. Accurate measurements are essential for good blood pressure control. Our app Tensana can help with that. Clear instructions walk you through taking measurements according to current guidelines.
The app can also remind you if you wish. These features are fully available in the free version as well. Get the free app now.
