Regular Measurement

Checking your blood pressure is an important part of monitoring blood pressure and managing hypertension. Older adults are encouraged to monitor their blood pressure at the eHealth stations in the elderly centres or at home for self-management. You can get accurate blood pressure readings by following the tips below.

1. When to take blood pressure:

• Measure blood pressure at around the same time each day.
• Do not measure blood pressure when you feel unwell, cold, anxious, stressful, painful, or when you have a full bladder.

2. Before taking blood pressure:

• Stop exercising, smoking or consuming foods or drinks containing caffeine (such as tea or coffee) at least 30 minutes before taking blood pressure.
• Remember to wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Rest and relax for 5 minutes without distractions (e.g. watching television).

3. Arm position:

• Be seated comfortably with the back supported.
• Pull up the sleeve to bare your upper arm, and wrap the cuff around it.
• Make sure your arm is supported and your upper arm is at the same level as your heart.
• Keep feet on the floor and do not cross legs.

4. Taking blood pressure:

• Relax and do not talk while taking the readings.
• After taking the first set of readings, release cuff pressure completely and repeat the above steps to obtain a second set of readings. The two sets of figures should be taken at least 1 minute apart.
• Take the average value of at least two sets of readings. If the first two sets of readings differ by more than 5 mmHg, you should obtained additional readings before you work out the average.
• Jot down all the readings to maintain a continuous monitoring. You can upload your measurement activities and data to the Government’s Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHRSS) digitally through eHealth App.
• Consult a doctor or a nurse if you have any concern.