Box 1.

Recommendations for office blood pressure measurements

Ensure adequate initial training and periodic review of the healthcare staff measuring BP Use validated BP monitors listed by the British and Irish Hypertension Society Ensure BP devices are appropriately validated, maintained, and regularly recalibrated Measure BP in a relaxed, temperate setting, with the person quiet and seated, legs uncrossed, and their arm outstretched and supported at heart level Use BP cuff of size appropriate to the arm circumference On initial assessment, measure BP in both arms; repeat the measurements if the difference is >15 mmHg. If the difference remains, measure further BP in the arm with the higher reading If office BP is ≥140/90 mmHg, repeat the measurement. If the second measurement is substantially different from the first, take a third measurement and record the lower of the last two measurements as the office BP

BP = blood pressure.