What the numbers mean
A blood pressure reading has two numbers: the top (systolic) shows pressure when the heart beats and the bottom (diastolic) shows pressure between beats. Your clinician can tell you what ranges are appropriate for you.
Measure well
Sit quietly for five minutes, feet flat, back supported, arm resting at heart level, and avoid caffeine or exercise for 30 minutes beforehand. Use a validated upper-arm monitor with the right cuff size.
Keep a log
Take readings at consistent times, write them down and bring the log to appointments. One high reading is not a diagnosis, and trends matter more than single numbers.
Do not self-adjust treatment
If you take prescribed medication, never change the dose or stop because of a dietary product or an article online. Talk to your doctor about any change. Learn more from the CDC.