PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET
Blood pressure screening
Regular, accurate blood pressure checks can find hypertension early, when it can be managed to lower the risk of stroke and heart disease.
Reviewed by the Verra Health clinical team · Last reviewed September 2026
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood moving through your arteries. A reading has two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number). Hypertension means blood pressure stays too high over time. It often causes no symptoms.
Why is screening important?
Untreated hypertension can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, and other problems. Finding it early gives you and your healthcare provider time to discuss lifestyle changes, monitoring, and medication when appropriate.
How to get an accurate reading
- Avoid exercise, caffeine, and tobacco for about 30 minutes beforehand.
- Empty your bladder, sit quietly for 5 minutes, and do not talk during the reading.
- Keep your back supported, feet flat on the floor, and legs uncrossed.
- Use a bare arm supported at heart level, with the correct cuff size.
- Take more than one reading when asked, because a single number is only a snapshot.
What if my reading is high?
A high reading does not automatically mean you have hypertension. Your clinician may repeat the measurement during the visit and recommend home blood pressure monitoring or a 24-hour ambulatory monitor. These out-of-office readings can help identify white-coat hypertension (higher readings in a clinic) or masked hypertension (normal clinic readings but high readings elsewhere).
Checking blood pressure at home
- Use a validated electronic upper-arm monitor and the correct cuff size.
- Rest for 5 minutes, then take two readings about 1 minute apart.
- If asked to complete a 7-day series, measure in the morning and evening and record each reading.
- Share the readings with your healthcare provider. Do not change medication based on one reading unless you have been given a specific plan.
What numbers should I know?
The meaning of a blood pressure reading depends on how it was measured and your overall health. Hypertension Canada’s 2025 primary-care guideline uses 130/80 mmHg as a diagnostic threshold in its assessment pathway, but diagnosis should not be made from one reading. Ask your clinician how to interpret your specific numbers and whether home monitoring is needed.
Frequently asked questions
How often should my blood pressure be checked?
Adults should have their blood pressure checked at appropriate primary-care visits. The timing depends on your previous readings, health conditions, medications, and overall cardiovascular risk.
Does one high reading mean I have hypertension?
No. Blood pressure changes with stress, pain, activity, caffeine, illness, and the setting. A diagnosis usually requires multiple properly measured readings, often including home or ambulatory monitoring.
How should I check my blood pressure at home?
Use a validated upper-arm device with the right cuff size. Rest quietly for 5 minutes, keep your back supported and feet flat, support your arm at heart level, and take two readings in the morning and evening for 7 days if your clinician asks you to do a home series.
When is high blood pressure an emergency?
If your blood pressure is around 180/120 mmHg or higher and you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, weakness, confusion, vision changes, or a severe headache, call 911. If the reading is that high without symptoms, repeat it after a few minutes and contact a healthcare provider urgently.
Arrange a blood pressure check
Ask your family doctor, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, or clinic about having your blood pressure measured. Bring your home monitor and readings if you would like help checking your technique.
Trusted information
- Hypertension Canada: diagnosis
- Hypertension Canada: accurate measurement
- Canadian Task Force: blood pressure screening
This leaflet is for general education and does not replace individualized medical advice.