Blood Pressure Screening

Overview

A blood pressure monitor is used to screen for high blood pressure. A blood pressure cuff is wrapped around your upper arm. The cuff is then pumped up. The cuff is slowly deflated, and the monitor shows your blood pressure numbers. Either an automatic or manual monitor can be used.

After measuring your blood pressure, your doctor may ask you to test it again when you are home. This is because your blood pressure can change throughout the day. And sometimes blood pressure is high only because you are seeing the doctor. This is called white-coat hypertension.

Your doctor may ask you to monitor your blood pressure at home. You may get an ambulatory blood pressure monitor or a home blood pressure monitor.

Who should be screened for high blood pressure and how often?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening adults age 18 and older for high blood pressure. You can get your blood pressure checked during any routine medical visit.

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. The USPSTF makes these recommendations:

• Get your blood pressure checked every year if any one of the following is true:
  • You're age 40 or older.
  • You're African-American.
  • You're at a higher weight or you have obesity.
  • Your doctor has recommended checking it based on your blood pressure numbers.
• You can get your blood pressure checked every 3 to 5 years if you are not at increased risk for high blood pressure and you have had normal blood pressure readings in the past.

If you are pregnant

Blood pressure checks are done at every prenatal visit to monitor you for high blood pressure, which may be a sign of preeclampsia.

Children and teens

Children and teens typically have their blood pressure checked during routine checkups. Blood pressure checks typically start at age 3. At age 18, people can follow the adult screening guidelines.