Use a validated upper-arm cuff monitor (not a wrist device). If your upper arm is large, you may need a large cuff.
Ideal time: first thing in the morning, before any medication — sat at the kitchen table while the kettle boils is about perfect.
Use the same chair and the same surface for the monitor each day. This standardises seat height and the height of the device relative to your arm.
Sit quietly for 5 minutes first. Feet flat on the floor, back supported, arm resting at heart level.
Take three readings on the bounce, one straight after another. Write each one down on a bit of paper or use our MyBP recording sheet. Some medical providers run MyBP software that can convert your handwritten sheet straight into the report — if not, just enter the values on the next page.
Repeat at the same time each day.
WHICH NUMBER IS WHICH?
←
SYSTOLIC
The top / bigger number. Pressure when the heart squeezes blood out.
←
DIASTOLIC
The bottom / smaller number. Pressure between heartbeats.
←
PULSE
Heart rate in beats per minute. Often shown next to a small heart icon.
Some monitors show these in a slightly different layout, but the order is always the same: systolic first (largest), then diastolic, then pulse.
Want to write your readings on paper first? Print the MyBP recording sheet to keep by your monitor.
WHEN DO YOU MEASURE?
First time measuring? Record both morning and evening for a week — about 10% of people run higher in the evening. After that, you only need to track whichever is higher.
Enter your three readings for each session. The first reading can be misleading so we average the 2nd and 3rd. Leave the pulse blank if your monitor doesn't show it. All three readings are kept in your report so your doctor can see what you took and how much they varied.
FOR YOUR REPORT
Used to label your report — we don't store your name. Year of birth lets us flag age-specific thresholds.
SOME READINGS LOOK UNUSUAL — PLEASE CHECK
BEFORE YOU PROCEED
⚠️ Seek urgent medical attention if:
• Any reading is 180/120 mmHg or higher
• You have chest pain, severe headache, visual changes, weakness on one side, or shortness of breath
• You are pregnant and your blood pressure is rising
This tool is not suitable for:
• Anyone under 18 years of age
• Pregnant women (different thresholds apply — speak to your midwife)
• People in continuous atrial fibrillation, unless the monitor is specifically validated for use in AF (readings from a standard cuff may not be accurate in AF)
If any of these apply, please close this tool and speak with your GP.
⚠️ This tool is not suitable for people under 18. Based on the year of birth you have entered, you appear to be under 18. Please close this tool and speak with your GP.
Report for
☀ MORNING (AM) AVERAGE
SYSTOLIC
--mmHg
DIASTOLIC
--mmHg
🌙 EVENING (PM) AVERAGE
SYSTOLIC
--mmHg
DIASTOLIC
--mmHg
DIURNAL PATTERN
YOUR FULL READINGS
All three readings per session are shown so a doctor can see the variability. Reading 1 is shown in grey because it's the one we ignored when calculating the average.
ABOUT THIS AVERAGE
GET YOUR FREE REPORT
Enter your email to download a PDF and receive a copy you can forward to your doctor. We use your initials and year of birth only — no name is stored.