What could be causing my blood pressure to be quite erratic? Your blood pressure monitor should be checked for proper calibration every year.
After resting for five minutes, at least two readings are taken one minute apart in the morning prior to medications and in the evening before the evening meal. Your arms should be supported on a flat surface. To prepare for the measurement, you should be relaxed with your feet on the floor and legs uncrossed, and your back supported for at least five minutes. It's best to avoid caffeine, exercise and, if you smoke, smoking for at least 30 minutes. So it's important to measure the blood pressures in the arm with the higher readings. Many people have a slightly higher blood pressure in one arm versus the other. Measuring your blood pressure at home is a straightforward process. What is the best way to measure my blood pressure at home? And I'm here to answer some of the important questions you might have about hypertension. Leslie Thomas, a nephrologist at Mayo Clinic.