Elderly blood pressure measurement: how to check at home
Five steps for a reading you can trust. Share this page with whoever helps you.
Rest for 5 minutes
Sit quietly. No talking, no phone. Avoid coffee, smoking and exercise for 30 minutes before.
Sit with your back supported
Feet flat on the floor, legs uncrossed. Use a chair with a back.
Rest your arm at heart level
Rest the arm on a table or a cushion so the cuff is level with your heart.
Use the right cuff size
The cuff goes on bare skin, not over clothing. A cuff that is too small gives a falsely high reading. Check the size guide on the box.
Take two readings, a minute apart
Write both down. Do this at the same times each day, for example morning and evening.
Good to know
- One reading is not a diagnosis. Take readings on several days and keep them in the log.
- If you often feel dizzy on standing, try the standing check.
- Bring your monitor to a doctor’s visit once so they can compare it with theirs.
Common questions
What is the best time of day to check blood pressure?
Check at the same times each day, ideally once in the morning before breakfast and medicines, and once in the evening. Sit quietly for five minutes first, rest your arm at heart level, and take two readings a minute apart. Consistent timing makes your 7-day average more reliable.
Is 140-70 BP normal for senior citizens?
Not quite. The bottom number of 70 is normal, but a top number of 140 is in the stage 2 high range. This pattern is called isolated systolic hypertension and is common in older adults. One reading is not a diagnosis, so repeat it at home over several days and show the results to your doctor.
Is 150-90 BP normal for senior citizens?
No. 150/90 is in the stage 2 high range. For people aged 80 or over, NICE treats below 150/90 as the treatment target, so a reading at or above this is at the edge of, or above, that target. Repeat the reading and speak to your doctor, and do not change any medicine yourself.