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.

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 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.