Lying and Standing Blood Pressure Readings

We would like you to take lying and standing blood pressure readings. This is so you can bring the results to your next blood test appointment.

National guidelines recommend that certain people take lying and standing blood pressure readings.  This includes:

• People over the age of 80
• People with diabetes

This helps to identify any drop in blood pressure on changing position. Changes in blood pressure can increase the risk of dizziness or falls.

If your readings show a big drop in blood pressure, we may ask you to take more readings. We may also ask you to take more readings if your blood pressure is significantly raised. 

How to take lying and standing blood pressure readings at home:

1. Wrap your blood pressure cuff around your upper arm
2. Lie down flat on your back. Do not cross your legs
3. Wait 5 minutes
4. Take a blood pressure reading while lying down. Make a note of the first reading
5. Stand up while holding on to something in case you feel dizzy
6. Immediately take a blood pressure reading while standing up. Make a note of the second reading
7. Remain standing for 3 minutes
8. Take a blood pressure reading while still standing. Make a note of the third reading

Please write down each of your readings as follows

• Lying blood pressure readin
• Standing up (within 1st minute) blood pressure reading
• Standing up (after 3 minutes) blood pressure reading
• Write down any dizziness or light-headedness upon standing

If you cannot take lying and standing readings, take three blood pressure readings when sitting instead.

Bring to your readings to the blood test appointment.