Questions To Ask Your Doctor If You Have High 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 (over 140)?
- 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?
- 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, 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, 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?
Reprinted from the NHLBI: National High Blood Pressure Educcation Program
