Physical exam frequency

Blood pressure check

To measure blood pressure, your doctor uses an instrument call a “sphygmomanometer,” more often referred to as a blood pressure cuff. The cuff is wrapped around your upper arm and inflated to stop the flow of blood in your artery. As the cuff is slowly deflated, your doctor uses a stethoscope to listen to the blood pumping through the artery. These pumping sounds register on a gauge attached to the cuff. The first pumping sound your doctor hears is recorded as the systolic pressure, and the last sound is the diastolic pressure.

Also known as: How often you need a physical exam, Health maintenance visit, Health screening or Checkup

Definition

All adults should visit their health care provider from time to time, even if they are healthy. The purpose of these visits is to:

  • Screen for diseases
  • Assess risk of future medical problems
  • Encourage a healthy lifestyle
  • Update vaccinations
  • Maintain a relationship with a doctor in case of an illness

For recommendations for men and women by age group, see:

See also:

  • Special Topic

    Health screening - women - over 65

    All adults should visit their health care provider from time to time, even if they are healthy. The purpose of these visits is to: Screen for diseases Assess risk of future medical problems Encourage a healthy lifestyle Update vaccinations Maintain a relationship with a doctor in case of an illness

  • Special Topic

    Health screening - men - over 65

    All adults should visit their health care provider from time to time, even if they are healthy. The purpose of these visits is to: Screen for diseases Assess risk of future medical problems Encourage a healthy lifestyle Update vaccinations Maintain a relationship with a doctor in case of an illness

  • Special Topic

    Health screening - men - age 18 - 39

    All adults should visit their health care provider from time to time, even if they are healthy. The purpose of these visits is to: Screen for diseases Assess risk of future medical problems Encourage a healthy lifestyle Update vaccinations Maintain a relationship with a doctor in case of an illness

  • Special Topic

    Health screening - women - age 18 - 39

    All adults should visit their health care provider from time to time, even if they are healthy. The purpose of these visits is to: Screen for diseases Assess risk of future medical problems Encourage a healthy lifestyle Update vaccinations Maintain a relationship with a doctor in case of an illness

  • Special Topic

    Health screening - men - age 40 - 64

    All adults should visit their health care provider from time to time, even if they are healthy. The purpose of these visits is to: Screen for diseases Assess risk of future medical problems Encourage a healthy lifestyle Update vaccinations Maintain a relationship with a doctor in case of an illness

  • Special Topic

    Health screening - women - age 40 - 64

    All adults should visit their health care provider from time to time, even if they are healthy. The purpose of these visits is to: Screen for diseases Assess risk of future medical problems Encourage a healthy lifestyle Update vaccinations Maintain a relationship with a doctor in case of an illness

Review date:
May 20, 2010
Reviewed by:
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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