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Talking to Your Doctor About Hypertension

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

ConditionInDepth

Talking to Your Doctor About Hypertension

You have your own health history. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and background with

hypertension. By talking openly and regularly with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.

Tips for Getting Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier to talk to your doctor:

  • Bring someone with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask. They may also be able to give more details.
  • Write down your questions so do you do not forget them.
  • Write down the answers you get and make sure you understand what you are hearing.
  • Ask for help if you need it. Do not be afraid to ask questions or ask where you can find more information. You have a right to know.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

About Hypertension

  • What is my blood pressure?
  • How high is my blood pressure?
    • Do I have hypertension?
    • Is my blood pressure high enough to need treatment?
  • How does my blood pressure increase my risk for other conditions?

About Your Risk of Getting Hypertension

  • Am I or is anyone in my family at risk for high blood pressure?
  • Can I prevent high blood pressure?

About Treatment Options

  • What medicines are available to help me?
    • Are there any side effects with the medicines?
    • Will blood pressure medicines interact with other medicines I take?
    • What time of day should I take my blood pressure medicines?
    • What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
  • Are there any alternative or complementary therapies that I should consider?

About Lifestyle Changes

  • If I change my lifestyle habits, will I still need to take medicine?
  • Should I exercise?
    • What type of exercise is best?
    • How much should I be exercising?
    • How do I get started with an exercise program?
  • Should I change my diet?
  • Should I meet with a dietitian?
  • Should I stop drinking alcohol?
  • How can I find help to quit smoking?
  • Do I need to lose weight? If so, how much?
  • Should I check my blood pressure at home? How do I go about it?

About Treatment Goals

  • At what level do you want to maintain my blood pressure?
  • How can I tell if blood pressure is rising?
  • How will I know if the medicine is working?
  • Can I check my blood pressure at home or do I have to get it checked by a doctor?

References

  • Getting the most out of your doctor appointment. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor.
  • Heart-to-heart: Talking to your doctor. American Heart Association website. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/doctor-appointments-questions-to-ask-your-doctor/heart-to-heart-talking-to-your-doctor.
  • Hypertension. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hypertension.

Contributors

  • Mark Arredondo, MD
Last Updated:
2022-11-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.