- Measurements should be taken using a validated electronic device.
- Choose a cuff with an appropriate bladder size matched to the size of the
arm. Bladder width should be close to 40% of arm circumference and bladder length should cover 80%-100% of arm circumference. Select the cuff size as recommended by its manufacturer.
- Cuff should be applied to the nondominant arm unless the SBP difference between arms is > 10 mm Hg, in which case the arm with the highest value obtained should be used.
- The patient should be resting comfortably for 5 minutes in the seated position with back support.
- The arm should be bare and supported with the BP cuff at heart level.
- Measurement should be performed before breakfast and 2 hours after
dinner, before taking medication.
- No caffeine or tobacco in the hour and no exercise 30 minutes preceding
the measurement.
- Duplicate measurement should be done in the morning and in the evening
for seven days (ie, 28 measurements in total).
- Average the results excluding the first day’s readings.
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