Most likely, a nurse, physician's assistant, or doctor checks your blood pressure every time you visit a doctor's office. This has become standard practice because high blood pressure can exist without symptoms. If you have other risk factors for heart disease or if you have heart disease, it's important to get your blood pressure checked at least once a year. If your level is higher than normal, you need to have it checked more often. Ask your doctor whether you are due for a blood pressure test and how often you should have one.