Ask the doctor: Should I buy a blood pressure monitor?
When taking your blood pressure, wrap the cuff around your bare arm and then sit with both feet on the ground for about five minutes. Follow the directions on your monitor and record the systolic pressure (the upper number) and diastolic pressure (the lower number). Normal systolic blood pressure is 120 and normal diastolic pressure is 80. If your reading is high, relax for two to three minutes and then take your blood pressure again. Don't check your blood pressure within 30 minutes of exercising or after drinking a caffeinated or alcoholic beverage.
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