# Blood pressure check: what it is, who needs it and what results mean

_Blood pressure check: who needs it, how often, how it is done and what results mean, with Kenya guidance and costs._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/blood-pressure-check

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> A blood pressure check checks for high blood pressure, which usually has no symptoms. In Kenya it is recommended for every adult from 18, at least once a year if normal.

**Blood pressure check at a glance**

| Who needs it | How often | What results mean | Cost |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Every adult from 18. | At least once a year if normal. | Below 140/90 is the target; 140/90 or higher needs repeat readings; 180/110 or higher needs urgent care. | Quick and widely available; included free in My Wellness Health packages. |

## Blood pressure check: common questions

**Q: What does the Blood pressure check check for?**

A: High blood pressure, which usually has no symptoms.

**Q: Who should have it?**

A: Every adult from 18.

**Q: How often?**

A: At least once a year if normal.

**Q: How is it done?**

A: An upper-arm cuff after 3 to 5 minutes of sitting quietly; 3 readings, averaging the last two.

**Q: What do the results mean?**

A: Below 140/90 is the target; 140/90 or higher needs repeat readings; 180/110 or higher needs urgent care.

**Q: What does it cost?**

A: Quick and widely available; included free in My Wellness Health packages.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: My Wellness Health's risk assessment (Hypertension and diabetes assessment, KES 200) looks at your symptoms, history and lifestyle and gives you a personalised risk report with clear next steps. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours to help you book any screening you need at a facility that suits your budget and location. Assessment fees do not include tests or consultations at the facility.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, Protocols for Management of Selected NCDs at Primary Care (2025)](https://health.go.ke/sites/default/files/2025-07/FINAL_NCD%20protocols.pdf)

## Other screening tests

- [Fasting blood sugar test in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/fasting-blood-sugar-test)
- [HbA1c test in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/hba1c-test)
- [Home blood pressure monitoring in Kenya | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/home-blood-pressure-monitoring)
- [Oral glucose tolerance test in Kenya | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/oral-glucose-tolerance-test)
- [Random blood sugar test in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/random-blood-sugar-test)