Confirming High Blood Pressure
A blood pressure test (link is external) is easy and painless and can be done in a health care provider’s office or clinic. To prepare for the test:
Don’t drink coffee or smoke cigarettes for 30 minutes prior to the test.
Go to the bathroom before the test.
Sit for 5 minutes before the test.
To track blood pressure readings over a period of time, the health care provider may ask you to come into the office on different days and at different times to take your blood pressure. The health care provider also may ask you to check readings at home or at other locations that have blood pressure equipment and to keep a written log of all your results.
Whenever you have an appointment with the health care provider, be sure to bring your log of blood pressure readings. Every time you visit the health care provider, he or she should tell you what your blood pressure numbers are; if he or she does not, you should ask for your readings.