Blood pressure test - Mayo Clinic

OverviewA blood pressure test measures the pressure in the arteries as the heart pumps. A blood pressure test may be done as a part of a routine health checkup or as a screening for high blood pressure, also called hypertension. Some people use home monitors to check their blood pressure at home.Products & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health BookA Book: Mayo Clinic on High Blood PressureBlood Pressure Monitors at Mayo Clinic StoreNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Why it's doneA blood pressure test is a routine part of most health checkups. Blood pressure screening is an important part of general healthcare.How often you should get your blood pressure checked depends on your age and overall health. People age 18 to 39 with optimal blood pressure and no heart disease risk factors should have a blood pressure test at least once every 2 to 5 years. People age 40 and older — or younger with an increased risk of high blood pressure — should have a blood pressure t...