At what age is it recommended to begin screening for hypertension in adults?

Hypertension screening in adults is typically recommended to begin at age 18. This guideline aligns with recommendations from health organizations, which emphasize the importance of early detection and management of high blood pressure to prevent long-term health complications.

Beginning screening at 18 allows healthcare providers to identify individuals at risk for hypertension and offer interventions, lifestyle modifications, or treatment as needed. Starting at this age is crucial since hypertension can be asymptomatic and might not present noticeable symptoms until complications arise. Consequently, regular screenings are an essential component of preventive health care from young adulthood onward.

Screening at ages younger than 18 is less common because hypertension is relatively rare in adolescents, and the focus is more on monitoring growth and development. While hypertension can occur at any age, the recommendation to start screening at 18 strikes a balance between early detection and the likelihood of hypertension presenting as an issue.