Blood pressure screening is recommended for all children ≥ 3 years old and adults once a year

High blood pressure happens when there is too much pressure in your blood vessels.

Blood pressure is the force of blood pumped by the heart on the blood vessels. It is reported as two numbers. The top number is systolic blood pressure, or the pressure your blood is pushing against your artery when your heart beats. The bottom number is diastolic pressure, or the pressure your blood is pushing against while the heart muscle rests between beats.

Blood pressure is measured using millimetres of mercury (mmHg), which is a standardized measurement of pressure.

Blood pressure target for most people is less than 130 systolic over less than 80 diastolic. Lower targets are recommended for people with diabetes and those at higher risk of heart disease.