How Often Should You Check Your Blood Pressure?
Maintaining your blood pressure within a healthy range is crucial for a long and healthy life. An estimated one in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure, often without realising it, as there are usually no symptoms. High blood pressure can significantly increase the risk of serious health conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.
In this article, we explain how frequently you should check your blood pressure, what the test entails, and where you can get tested.
What is a blood pressure check?
A blood pressure test checks if your blood pressure is within a healthy range. It specifically measures the strength with which your blood pushes on your arteries as it’s pumped around the body.
Blood pressure is checked using a device called a sphygmomanometer. This device includes an inflatable cuff that goes around your arm to restrict blood flow and a digital display or dial that measures your blood pressure as the pressure in the arm cuff is released.
What do you need to do before a blood pressure check?
Before you have your blood pressure checked, you may be asked to:
- Sit down with your back supported and your legs uncrossed for around five minutes before the test.
- Remove any long-sleeved clothing or roll up your sleeves so that the cuff can be placed securely around your arm.
What happens during a blood pressure check?
- You will be asked to hold your arm out and rest it comfortably on an armrest so it’s at the same level as your heart.
- A cuff will then be placed around your arm to restrict the blood flow to your arm – this squeezing sensation can feel slightly uncomfortable.
- The pressure in the cuff is slowly released and detectors sense vibrations in your arteries.
- The pressure in the cuff is recorded at two points as the blood flow starts to return to your arm - these are known as systolic and diastolic readings.
What does a blood pressure reading mean?
A blood pressure test takes both a systolic and diastolic reading and is usually recorded as the systolic pressure over the diastolic pressure, for example 120/80mmHg.
The systolic reading is the maximum blood pressure during the contraction of your vessels and diastolic is the minimum pressure recorded before the next contraction.
Who should have a blood pressure check?
As there are often no symptoms of high or low blood pressure, all healthy adults should get their blood pressure checked regularly. The NHS guidance suggests everyone over 40 with no existing health conditions should get their blood pressure checked at least once every five years.
If you have a chronic health condition, like heart disease or diabetes, or are at more risk of certain conditions due to certain lifestyle factors, like being overweight or smoking, you may require more frequent blood pressure checks.
How often should you check your blood pressure?
The NHS recommends blood pressure checks every five years for most healthy adults over 40. However, people of African, Afro-Caribbean, or South Asian ethnicity are at higher risk of having high blood pressure from an earlier age, so they may benefit from having regular blood pressure checks at a younger age.
Additionally, as you age, your blood pressure tends to rise, necessitating more frequent checks to monitor and manage your levels effectively.
A high blood pressure reading may indicate the need for more frequent monitoring in the future. The table below provides a general guide on how often you should check your blood pressure based on your current reading. However, individual needs can vary, so it is essential to follow your GP's advice for the most accurate recommendations.
| BP Reading | How often? |
|---|---|
| Healthy reading - between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg | Every five years |
| Slightly raised – between 120/80mmHg and 139/89mm/Hg | At least once per year |
| High blood pressure – over 140/90mmHg | Speak to your GP about how often they recommend you have regular blood pressure checks |
What are the health benefits of regularly checking your blood pressure?
Most people don’t know that they have high or low blood pressure, so regular checks can help them take proactive steps to manage their health.
Although low blood pressure doesn’t often cause significant problems, it can be associated with symptoms like feeling faint, light headedness, blurred vision, feeling weak, and confusion. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to get in touch with your GP.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms but can increase your risk of conditions like heart attacks and strokes, so it’s important to take action to keep it within a healthy range.
Where can I get my blood pressure checked?
If you are concerned about your blood pressure, you can request a blood pressure check from your GP surgery. If you’re aged 40-74 and have an NHS Health Check every five years, your blood pressure will be taken as part of your full health check-up. If this indicates that you have raised blood pressure, your GP will speak to you about any action that needs to be taken, like starting medications or monitoring your blood pressure more regularly.
Waiting for an appointment at your GP surgery or getting a time that suits your busy life can sometimes be challenging, so you can also get a private blood pressure check through healthcare providers like Bluecrest Wellness. Not only does this offer you the convenience of being able to book a time and location to suit you, but you also get a comprehensive Results Report with clear actions to help you take any necessary next steps to manage your blood pressure.
How can Bluecrest Wellness help?
At Bluecrest Wellness, we provide private full health MOTs, which provide complete insights into your general health, including key metrics like your blood pressure. We use the latest technologies to provide accurate results and provide a comprehensive Results Report and free access to a 24/7 GP helpline for a year for complete peace of mind following your check-up.
With locations available across the UK, it is easy to find a convenient location and book an appointment at a time to suit you.
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