Questions to Ask Your Doctor About High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure affects nearly half of American adults and is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Knowing what to ask your doctor can help you manage it effectively.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
What do my blood pressure numbers mean — what's the top number vs. the bottom number?
Many patients don't understand systolic vs. diastolic readings.
What stage is my high blood pressure, and what does that mean for my health?
Stages determine treatment urgency and approach.
Could my blood pressure be high because of another condition or medication I'm taking?
Secondary hypertension has different treatment than primary hypertension.
How often should I check my blood pressure at home, and what kind of monitor do you recommend?
Home monitoring gives your doctor much better data than office visits alone.
Treatment Options
Can I lower my blood pressure with lifestyle changes alone, or do I need medication right away?
For Stage 1, lifestyle changes alone may be enough.
If I need medication, what are the options and what side effects should I watch for?
There are several classes of blood pressure meds with different side effect profiles.
How low should we aim to get my blood pressure, and how quickly?
Target numbers vary by age and other conditions.
What specific diet changes will have the biggest impact on my blood pressure?
The DASH diet and sodium reduction can lower blood pressure significantly.
Living with Hypertension
What symptoms should prompt me to seek emergency care?
Extremely high blood pressure can cause a hypertensive crisis.
Does high blood pressure affect other aspects of my health I should be monitoring?
Hypertension can affect kidneys, eyes, and heart over time.
Are there exercises that are better or worse for someone with high blood pressure?
Some exercises can spike blood pressure temporarily.