Home-based monitors are usually digital and the whole measurement process is almost automatic. Here is how to use a blood pressure monitor: Place the cuff around your arm or wrist, turn on the device, and the cuff will inflate to start the measurement, and deflate when the measurement has been taken. Once finished, the final reading will appear on the screen. The average reading should be around 120 for systolic and 80 for diastolic. If your blood pressure monitor readings are constantly higher or lower than this, you might want to consider discussing it with your GP.