Proper use of a blood pressure cuff is very important.
If you use it wrongly then the BP readings obtained will not be accurate.
The BP cuff needs to be placed according to the instructions given by its manufacturer. For the most part this means placing the arrow (or other indicator mark) over the main artery of the arm. This artery is called the brachial artery. If you feel your own elbow then you will be aware of a big knobbly bit of bone on the inner aspect. Just in front of this knobbly bone you will feel a strong pulsation. The blood pressure cuff indicator mark should be placed over this pulse point.
The blood pressure cuff also needs to be positioned fully above the bend at your elbow.
Take a look at this picture of how to position a blood pressure cuff - your doctor or nurse will use their stethoscope to listen for the blood pressure reading by placing it over the brachial artery further down the arm 
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