Sit in this way for at least 5 minutes before you start your machine. (If you sometimes take your blood pressure while leaning back in your recliner, that's ok, but you have to indicate this when you write that reading down, because it should be interpreted differently by your doctor.)
Only the part of the arm where the blood pressure cuff is fastened needs to be at heart level, not the entire arm. Sometimes your healthcare provider will take your blood pressure while you are reclined or while you are standing up.
The European Society of Cardiology²¹ recommends that people lay down and take naps during midday to help lower their pressure levels. Additionally, the American College of Cardiology claims that the average systolic blood pressure drops by about 3 mm Hg²² for each hour one lays down for a nap.
Avoid tobacco products, foods, drinks, exercise and caffeine 30 minutes before blood pressure measurement. Use the bathroom so there's no pee in your bladder. Rest for five minutes or more in a chair (not a couch) where you'll take your blood pressure measurement.
A seated upright position provides the most accurate blood pressure, as long as the arm in which the pressure is taken remains at the patient's side. Patients lying on their side, or in other positions, can pose problems for accurate pressure measurement.
There is a general acceptance that posture affects the blood pressure. From supine to seated or standing position, the pressure usually drops.
Sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported for at least 5 minutes before your reading. Put both feet flat on the ground and keep your legs uncrossed. Rest your arm with the cuff on a table at chest height. Make sure the blood pressure cuff is snug but not too tight.
Best position to take blood pressure
The best position to take your blood pressure is seated in a chair with your feet on the floor and your arm supported so your elbow is at about heart level. You should remain in this position throughout the measurement.
Take it first in the morning before eating or taking any medications. Take it again in the evening. Each time you measure, take two or three readings to make sure your results are the same. Your health care provider might recommend taking your blood pressure at the same times each day.
Time after time, studies show that the best position for extended sitting is a reclined position. 135 degrees reclined is halfway between the standard upright (or 90-degree) posture and lying flat on your back.
Information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke notes that tilted sleeping may benefit people who have high blood pressure when lying down.
Improves Circulation
By elevating your legs and feet on a recliner, your body circulation is naturally redirected, helping blood flow.
Research has found that reclining your chair puts the least stress on your spine when it is reclined to about 135 degrees and may reduce your risk of back pain. The ability of riser recliner chairs to move to this position with ease makes them a good choice for people who sit for long periods.
Drinking water can help normalize blood pressure. If you are dehydrated, it can also help lower blood pressure.
It has been shown that heart rate and blood pressure are higher in standing and sitting positions due to gravity (Bera et al., 1998).
Lowers blood pressure.
Sitting or standing for long hours restricts circulation in the veins. The more blood accumulates, the higher the blood pressure in the veins. Putting your feet up lowers the pressure by draining the vein of pooled blood.
Blood Pressure Measurement Should be Taken With The Arm Straight.
Orthostatic hypertension refers to an increase in the blood pressure upon assuming an upright posture. This clinical condition has been understudied and is often underappreciated in clinical practice probably because of its unfamiliarity to many clinicians including subspecialists.
What drink immediately lowers blood pressure? Beet juice is the best choice, as it can significantly lower blood pressure in about three hours. Consuming other beneficial drinks like tomato juice and pomegranate juice may not have immediate effects on blood pressure, but will work over a period of consistent use.
Always measure your blood pressure using the same arm (normally the left arm). Wear loose clothing with sleeves that roll up easily and do not feel tight when rolled up (you will need to fit the cuff onto your bare arm) or take your arm out of the clothing.
Usually, blood pressure starts to rise a few hours before a person wakes up. It continues to rise during the day, peaking in midday. Blood pressure typically drops in the late afternoon and evening. Blood pressure is usually lower at night while sleeping.