A blood pressure test is a simple test to check your blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause serious conditions such as stroke and heart disease.

Why is a blood pressure test done?

A blood pressure test can check if your blood pressure is too high or too low.

High blood pressure (hypertension) can cause serious problems like strokes or heart disease, but it does not usually have any symptoms. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to get it checked.

Low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause symptoms such as dizziness or fainting.

You may be given a blood pressure test:

• if a doctor thinks you may have high or low blood pressure
• as part of a general health check
• to check if high blood pressure is linked to other conditions you may have
• if you're taking medicine for a long-term condition
• if you're in hospital to check your health
• if you're pregnant as part of your antenatal care

It's particularly important to get your blood pressure checked if you're at higher risk of high blood pressure, for example if:

• you're aged 40 or over
• you're from a Black or South Asian background
• you have close relatives who have high blood pressure
• you smoke, drink too much alcohol or caffeine, or eat too much salt
• you're living with obesity

• Blood pressure chart and diary (from The British Heart Foundation)
• Blood pressure UK
• NHS.uk
• British Heart Foundation - approved Blood Pressure Monitors