Proper Blood Pressure Cuff Sizes Cuff Size Arm Circumference (cm) Bladder Dimension (width x length, cm) Abbreviation: cm: centimeter Best practices for the patient: Preparation Have an empty bladder Rest quietly in seated position with back supported (e.g., leaning back in chair) for at least five minutes Do not talk or text Position Sit with back supported Keep both feet flat on the floor Legs should not be crossed Blood pressure cuff should be placed on bare arm (not over clothes) Blood pressure cuff should be placed directly above the antecubital fossa (bend of the arm) Center of the bladder of the cuff (commonly marked on the cuff by the manufacturer) should be placed over the arterial pulsation of the patient s bare upper arm Cuff should be pulled taut, with comparable tightness at the top and bottom edges of the cuff, around the bare upper arm The arm with the cuff should be supported on a flat surface such as a table Number of readings Take two readings at least one minute apart in the morning before taking any antihypertensive medications and two readings at least one min apart in the evening before going to bed; some recommend only recording the second measurement Duration of monitoring Preferred monitoring period is 7 days (i.e., 28 readings or more scheduled readings); a minimum period of three days (i.e.