Check and follow up blood pressure
Finding and controlling high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart disease and kidney damage.
The number, drawn
Why it matters
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms while it damages blood vessels and organs, and WHO estimates that 44% of adults who have it are unaware. Screening opens the door to effective treatment, but a measurement alone does not reduce risk. The USPSTF recommends yearly checks from age 40 or earlier when risk is higher, with readings outside the clinic to confirm a diagnosis.
How to do it
- Arrange a blood pressure check and keep a copy of the result; in England the NHS Health Check covers ages 40 to 74 every 5 years.
- Use a validated upper arm device and sit quietly for 5 minutes before measurement.
- If a clinic reading is high, ask about home or ambulatory monitoring to confirm it.
- Agree on follow-up and treatment with your clinician if pressure stays high.
A clinician should confirm persistent high readings and set treatment targets. Pregnancy needs its own blood pressure care plan.
Do it
Pick the time you have. Anything beats nothing.
Start with the time you have
1 minute
Recall when your blood pressure was last checked and the numbers; if you don't know, that is your cue to book a check.
5 minutes
Contact a pharmacy or clinic to ask for a blood pressure check and the next available appointment.
15 minutes
Find your previous readings and prepare two questions: do I need home monitoring, and when should I follow up?
A plan
From a reading to follow-up
- Arrange a check and ask what to bring.
- At the check, request your result and ask whether it needs confirmation.
- If more monitoring is recommended, ask for a demonstration and written instructions.
- Agree on follow-up with your clinician and keep the date with your readings.
In real life
- Ask your pharmacy whether it offers blood pressure checks and what they cost.
- Bring your last blood pressure result to your next appointment, even if you feel well.
Watch out for
- Common mistakeFeeling well does not rule out high blood pressure, so arrange a check instead of waiting for symptoms.
- Common mistakeOne high reading is not a diagnosis, so ask how it should be confirmed.
Trusted guides
In Czechia
In Czechia, adults from 18 have a preventive check with their GP every 2 years, and it includes a blood pressure measurement.
In Germany, statutory insurance covers a Gesundheits-Check-up once between 18 and 34 and every 3 years from 35. Your blood pressure is measured as part of it.
In Poland, the free Moje Zdrowie programme for adults from 20 includes a blood pressure check at the summary visit with your POZ. It is available every 5 years at 20 to 49 and every 3 years from 50; start with the questionnaire in IKP, mojeIKP or at your POZ.
Pacjent.gov.pl checked
In Ukraine, people aged 40 and over can get a free check of cardiovascular, type 2 diabetes and mental health risks in one visit under the national Health Screening 40+ programme. The Public Health Center calls blood pressure up to 120/80 optimal; up to 129/84 may be considered normal.
Check usSources
- Evidence grade
- A Meta-analyses of randomised trials, or a major guideline consensus.
- Basis
- USPSTF screening recommendation and WHO guidance on preventing complications
- The number
- About 600 million adults with high blood pressure (44%) do not know they have it (WHO, 2025)
- Outcome
- adults with high blood pressure who do not know they have it
- Comparison
- Share of all adults with hypertension worldwide (WHO)
- Tier 1 guidelineHypertension in Adults: ScreeningUSPSTF, 2021
- Tier 1 guidelineHypertensionWHO, 2025
- Tier 1 guidelineNHS Health CheckNHS, 2023
General health information, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. Personalization changes the order of suggestions; it does not assess your medical risks. Follow the cautions and consult a qualified clinician when needed.