Getting the Most Out of Your Appointment With Your Provider
SPECIAL ISSUE: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
WORDS - Diana McDonnell
One of the most important things you can do to understand your blood pressure is to keep a log of your regular blood pressure readings and share it with your health care provider. This allows them to see the trend of your blood pressure over time, not just what it is on the day of your appointment. Take notes of your readings in a journal, a note on your phone, or a blood pressure tracking app. Consider adding notes on certain readings, such as if you were under a particular amount of stress that day, if you had a headache, what you ate, or any other things that might affect your blood pressure.
Bring a list of questions that you have for your provider and any information that your provider should know. Also, if you are struggling with controlling your blood pressure and you think you’ve identified a particular barrier (such as the cost of the medication, forgetting to take it everyday, or difficulty maintaining an exercise regimen) bring that to your provider’s attention.
Questions to consider asking your provider:
What is my blood pressure today?
Do I qualify as having high blood pressure?
What stage of hypertension do I have, and what does that mean for my current and long term health?
What specific actions can I take to improve my blood pressure (diet, exercise, or other)?
How often should I check my blood pressure?
Can you prescribe me an at-home blood pressure monitor so I can check my blood pressure more regularly?
Should I be taking medication for my blood pressure?
Does it need to be taken with food or on an empty stomach?
Do I need to take it at the same time everyday?
What are the side effects to look out for with my medication?
Does my hypertension medication interact with any of my other medications?
Are there other resources that you would recommend?
