Blood Pressure Screening-Topic Overview
Blood Pressure Screening-Topic Overview
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for adults 18 and older for high blood pressure.1
Tests and programs for high blood pressure vary widely in reliability. Results from automated blood pressure testing, such as you might do at a grocery store or pharmacy, may not be accurate. Any high blood pressure measurement discovered during a blood pressure screening program needs to be confirmed by a doctor or another health professional.
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Your doctor can let you know how often you should get your blood pressure checked. It may depend on what your blood pressure is and your risk for heart disease. You can get your blood pressure checked during any routine medical visit.
For more information, see the topics High Blood Pressure, Prehypertension, and Home Blood Pressure Test.
Children and teens typically have their blood pressure checked during routine well-child visits and checkups. Blood pressure checks typically start after age 3. After age 21, men and women can follow the adult screening guidelines.
Tests and programs for high blood pressure vary widely in reliability. Results from automated blood pressure testing, such as you might do at a grocery store or pharmacy, may not be accurate. Any high blood pressure measurement discovered during a blood pressure screening program needs to be confirmed by a doctor or another health professional.
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Rechecking blood pressure
Your doctor can let you know how often you should get your blood pressure checked. It may depend on what your blood pressure is and your risk for heart disease. You can get your blood pressure checked during any routine medical visit.
- Healthy adults who have a blood pressure below 120/80 might have their blood pressure checked at least every 1 to 2 years.
- Adults who are prehypertensive (120-139 and/or 80-89) should have their blood pressure checked as often as recommended by their doctor or at least yearly.
- Adults with other risk factors for heart disease or evidence of disease caused by high blood pressure need to have their blood pressure checked more often.
For more information, see the topics High Blood Pressure, Prehypertension, and Home Blood Pressure Test.
Screening in children and teens
Children and teens typically have their blood pressure checked during routine well-child visits and checkups. Blood pressure checks typically start after age 3. After age 21, men and women can follow the adult screening guidelines.