Measure your blood pressure at home accurately

Use this guide if your GP or nurse has asked you to monitor your blood pressure at home, or you want to check it as part of looking after your health. You need a validated upper-arm monitor with the right cuff size; this guide does not diagnose or replace advice from your healthcare team.

Step by step

1. Get a validated monitor with the right cuff

   Choose an automatic upper-arm monitor that has been clinically validated; the British and Irish Hypertension Society publishes a list of validated monitors. Measure around the middle of your upper arm and check it falls within the cuff's range, as a cuff that is too small or too large gives wrong readings. Many pharmacies also offer free blood pressure checks for adults aged 40 and over if you would rather start there.