Blood Pressure
See your doctor for a blood pressure reading:
Every two years if your blood pressure is less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg)
Every year if your blood pressure ranges from 120 to 139 mm Hg for the top number (systolic), or 80 to 89 mm Hg for the bottom number (diastolic)
As often as your doctor recommends if your blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or higher
What is it?
During a blood pressure reading, an inflatable cuff is wrapped around your upper arm to measure the amount of pressure your heart generates when pumping blood through your arteries (systolic pressure) and the amount of pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats (diastolic pressure).
Why?
Blood pressure readings can detect high blood pressure (hypertension), which increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other serious health problems.