Get Your Blood Pressure Checked

The Basics: Overview

One in 3 Americans have high blood pressure. Get your blood pressure checked regularly starting at age 18.

How often do I need to get my blood pressure checked?

• If you are age 40 or older, or if you are at higher risk for high blood pressure, get your blood pressure checked once a year.
• If you are age 18 to 40 and you aren’t at higher risk for high blood pressure, get your blood pressure checked every 3 to 5 years.

What puts me at higher risk for high blood pressure?

You are at higher risk for high blood pressure if you:

• Are African American
• Are overweight or obese
• Have blood pressure that’s a little higher than usual (called high normal blood pressure)

Learn more about your risk for high blood pressure.

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is how hard your blood pushes against the walls of your arteries when your heart pumps blood. Arteries are the tubes that carry blood away from your heart. Every time your heart beats, it pumps blood through your arteries to the rest of your body.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension (“hy-puhr-TEHN-shun”) is the medical term for high blood pressure. High blood pressure has no signs or symptoms. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get tested.

By taking steps to lower your blood pressure, you can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Lowering your blood pressure can help you live a longer, healthier life.