Hypertension

(High Blood Pressure)

Ask your doctor 

The following questions can help you talk to your doctor about your individual risk for hypertension or your treatment of hypertension if you already have a diagnosis. Print out or write down these questions and take them with you to your appointment. Taking notes can help you remember your physician’s response when you get home.

Doctor explaining condition to patient with heart diagram
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR DOCTOR

Bring a list of questions to ask your doctor about treating and managing hypertension.

Questions about your risk for hypertension:

  1. Based on my family history, am I at greater risk for hypertension?
  2. Based on my personal history, am I at greater risk for hypertension?
  3. What risk factors do I have for hypertension?
  4. What can I do to lower my risk for hypertension?
  5. What is my blood pressure?
  6. What should my blood pressure be?
  7. How often should I have my blood pressure checked?
  8. Can you help me quit smoking? (If you smoke.)
  9. Is my weight within a healthy range?
  10. What dietary choices should I be making for cardiovascular health?
  11. What level of exercise is safe for me and will also have cardiovascular benefits?

Questions about your diagnosis of hypertension:

  1. What is my blood pressure?
  2. What should my blood pressure goal be?
  3. How often should I have my blood pressure checked?
  4. Should I monitor my blood pressure at home? If so, is one type of home monitor better than another?
  5. Do I have any evidence of complications due to uncontrolled hypertension? (For example, problems with my eyes or kidneys?)
  6. Can you help me quit smoking? (If you smoke.)
  7. Is my weight in a healthy range?
  8. What dietary choices should I be making for my blood pressure and overall heart health?
  9. What level of exercise is safe for me and will also have cardiovascular benefits?

Questions about medication for high blood pressure:

  1. What is (are) the name(s) of my blood pressure medication(s)?
  2. Is there a generic form available?
  3. What are the possible side effects?
  4. What is the dose? How often do I take it?
  5. What should I do if I forget to take my medication?
  6. What other prescriptions may interact with this (these) medication(s)?
  7. How do we know the medication(s) is (are) controlling my blood pressure?
  8. What are my options if my blood pressure is not managed by my current medications?

Improving Patient Care

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) is the leading nonprofit medical society representing invasive and interventional cardiology. Founded in 1978, SCAI’s mission is to lead the global interventional cardiovascular community through education, advocacy, research, and quality patient care. 

SCAI has dedicated its work to advancing the profession and is the designated society for guidance, representation, professional recognition, education, and research opportunities for invasive and interventional cardiology professionals. For more than 40 years, SCAI has personified professional excellence and innovation globally, fostering a trusted community of more than 4,500 members dedicated to medical advancement and lifesaving care for adults and children with cardiovascular disease.  

Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions®

1100 17th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036