Questions to ask your doctor

Return to Index Step 1: What is Blood Pressure? Step 2: Take High Blood Pressure Seriously Step 3: What Causes High Blood Pressure? Step 4: Who Gets High Blood Pressure? Step 5: High Blood Pressure is "Silent" Step 6: Diagnosing High Blood Pressure Step 7: Follow-up Office Visits Step 8: Treatment Overview Step 9: Maintain Healthy Habits Step 10: Drug Therapy Step 11: Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home Step 12: You and Your Doctor are a Team Key Points Glossary

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If you have high blood pressure, bring this list with you to your next visit!

Your blood pressure

What is my blood pressure reading in numbers?
What is my goal blood pressure?
Is my blood pressure under adequate control?
Is my systolic pressure too high?

Weight and exercise

What would be a healthy weight for me?
Is there a diet to help me lose weight (if I need to) and lower my blood pressure?
Is there a recommended healthy eating plan I should follow to help lower my blood pressure (if I don't need to lose weight)?
Is it safe for me to start doing regular physical activity?

Medication

What is the name of my blood pressure medication? Is that the brand name or the generic name?
What are the possible side effects of my medication? (Be sure the doctor knows about any allergies you have and any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, and dietary supplements.)
What time of day should I take my blood pressure medicine?
Should I take it with food?
Are there any foods, beverages, herbs, or dietary supplements I should avoid when taking this medicine?
What should I do if I forget to take my blood pressure medicine at the recommended time? Should I take it as soon as I remember or should I wait until the next dosage is due?

From "Your Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure," by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health. Illustration copyright A.D.A.M., Inc.

Review Date: 6/8/2011
Reviewed By: Steven Kang, MD, Division of Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology, East Bay Arrhythmia, Cardiovascular Consultants Medical Group, Oakland, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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