Some wrist blood pressure monitors may be accurate if used exactly as directed and checked against measurements taken in a medical office. For the most reliable blood pressure measurement, the American Heart Association recommends using a monitor with a cuff that goes around your upper arm, when available. A wrist blood pressure device may be as accurate as an upper arm monitor.

Understanding the Context

But it needs to be fitted properly and checked with readings taken in a healthcare professional's office. Home blood pressure monitors are available widely and without a prescription. But it's important to know how to find a good home blood pressure monitor and to use it correctly. To monitor your blood pressure using an automatic blood pressure monitor, find a comfortable place to sit with good back support at a table or desk.

Key Insights

When you're ready to take your blood pressure, sit quietly for three to five minutes beforehand. Place your feet flat on the floor and rest your arm on a tabletop even with your heart. Watch this video to learn how to measure blood pressure using a manual monitor. Palatini P, et al. Recommendations for blood pressure measurement in large arms in research and clinical practice: Position paper of the European Society of Hypertension Working Group on Blood Pressure Monitoring and Cardiovascular Variability.

Final Thoughts

Here's a look at the four blood pressure categories and what they mean for you. If your top and bottom numbers fall into two different categories, your correct blood pressure category is the higher category. For example, if your blood pressure reading is 125/85 mm Hg, you have stage 1 hypertension. A blood pressure reading measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (top number, called systolic pressure) and between heartbeats (bottom number, called diastolic pressure). To measure blood pressure, an inflatable cuff is usually placed around the arm. A machine or small hand pump is used to inflate the cuff.