commit to a
plan to lower your blood pressure
The best way to avoid the consequences of high blood pressure is to commit to the treatment plan you make with your doctor. Make sure you talk with your doctor to create a blood pressure treatment plan that works for your life.
If there
are things that are keeping you from sticking to your plan, such as your hectic schedule, the cost of medication, your habits, or motivation, talk to your doctor about ways to overcome these barriers. Be clear with your doctor about any of your
concerns and be sure to get all the answers you need.
The High Blood Pressure Worksheet below provides a structure of what to do before, during and after your appointment to help you create a personalized high blood pressure treatment
plan with your doctor.
CREATING A PLAN
WITH YOUR DOCTOR
Tips about how to talk with your doctor are listed below, as well as a "High Blood Pressure Worksheet" to take with you to make sure you get the most from your appointment.
before the appointment
take note of:
- How have you been feeling?
- Is anything preventing you from sticking to your current plan?
- Any changes in your blood pressure?
- Any side effects from any medication or symptoms?
- How do you treat your side effects and/or symptoms?
- What questions or concerns do you have for your doctor?
bring:
- High Blood Pressure Worksheet (PDF)
- List of all your medicines (including OTC, vitamins, and herbs)
- Pen and paper or recording device
- The right mindset:
- Be your own health advocate
- Identify a meaningful goal for why you want to improve your health
during the appointment
Be honest with how you've been feeling. Tell your doctor if you've been having any symptoms or side effects, and talk through any questions you may have about your prescribed blood pressure plan and medication moving forward. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your doctor and the two of you can work together to find a solution that works for you.
ASK QUESTIONS
Part of being your own health advocate is getting all the information you need. If language is a barrier, bring someone with you who can translate and help you get all the information you need.
WRITE THINGS DOWN
Ask your doctor to write down your blood pressure treatment plan for you. Also, you can ask your doctor if you can record the visit on a tape recorder or your phone.
UNDERSTAND YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE NUMBERS
Learn how often, where, and how your numbers should be checked.
after the appointment
TAKE YOUR MEDICATION
Resources for getting discounts for your prescriptions:
KEEP TRACK OF
- Your medication and usage
- How you're feeling: side effects, energy levels, etc.
- Questions you have for your doctor
- Your blood pressure numbers
COMMIT TO YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE TREATMENT PLAN
If you fall off the plan one day, get back on track the next day. If you find it too hard to stick to your high blood pressure treatment plan, talk with your doctor about one that's more manageable for you. Remember that committing to your plan is the best way to avoid the consequences of high blood pressure. For tips to help you stick to your plan; go to the MANAGE YOUR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE page.