Printable Blood Pressure Log: Free Large Print Chart (PDF)

Both files have the same seven pages. Open either one in your browser or a PDF reader.

• Printable Blood Pressure Log, color edition (PDF, 7 pages)
• Printable Blood Pressure Log, black and white (PDF, 7 pages)

You only need to print the pages you use. Most people print the two monthly log pages each month and keep the rest in a folder.

• Page 1 — Cover.
• Page 2 — Understanding your numbers: the five blood pressure categories in color, and what to do if a reading is very high.
• Page 3 — How to take an accurate reading: eight steps to follow every time.
• Page 4 — My details: your doctor, pharmacy, monitor, the target your doctor gave you, and your medicines.
• Pages 5 and 6 — Monthly log: days 1 to 31, with morning and evening time, top number, bottom number and pulse, plus a notes column.
• Page 7 — Simple log: one reading per line with the date and time, for checks at any time of day.

A reading has two numbers, such as 118/76. The top number (systolic) is the pressure when your heart beats; the bottom number (diastolic) is the pressure when it rests between beats. The American Heart Association groups adult readings like this:

One high number on its own is not a diagnosis — only a doctor or other healthcare professional can diagnose high blood pressure. But a very high reading needs a quick, calm check.

Small things change a reading by several points, which is why the same routine every time matters. These steps follow the American Heart Association’s home monitoring advice:

1. 1

   No caffeine, smoking or exercise for 30 minutes

   before you measure.

2. 2

   Use the bathroom first

   and do not measure over clothing.

3. 3

   Sit quietly for five minutes

   with your back supported and feet flat on the floor. No talking or phone.

4. 4

   Rest your arm at heart level

   on a table, with a pillow under it if needed.

5. 5

   Put the cuff on bare skin

   with the bottom edge just above the bend of the elbow, and make sure the cuff is the right size for your arm.

6. 6

   Take two readings, one minute apart

   and write both in the log.

7. 7

   Measure at the same times each day

   and ask your doctor how often you should check.

• Write exactly what the monitor shows, including the pulse, rather than rounding.
• Use the notes column for anything that might explain a number: a missed dose, a bad night, pain, or a stressful morning.
• Use the same arm each time unless your doctor tells you otherwise, and note which one on the log.
• Bring the log to every appointment, along with your monitor if it stores readings.
• Never change or stop a medicine because of your readings without talking to your doctor first.

If you are choosing a monitor, our guide to the best blood pressure monitors for seniors compares easy-to-read upper-arm models.

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