17 Key Questions to Ask Your Doctor if you Have High Blood Pressure

     Hypertension, better known as high blood pressure, is defined as a chronic elevation in systolic blood pressure to greater than 140 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mm Hg. At the turn of the century, nearly one billion people had hypertension worldwide which is more than 25% of the adult population. By 2025, an estimated 1.56 billion people world-wide will have high blood pressure. There is approximately a 90% lifetime risk of developing hypertension.

     You need to partner with the health care system to actively manage high blood pressure. Do not count on the health care system to take responsibility for managing your disease. The health care system will help, but if you want to avoid depression, disability and death, you need to be an active, responsible health care consumer.

     Becoming knowledgeable about disease is an important part of having a successful health care experience. Individuals must have a basic understanding of his or her disease. The better you understand your diseases the better you can partner in your medical care.

     No one has a greater interest vested in your well being than you. Physicians manage very busy office practices and may overlook some important aspects of your care. It is imperative that you help your health care providers give you the care that is needed to prevent death and disability.

     As part of health care responsibility you need to understand your disease.  Below are a list of questions you should ask your health care provider if you have high blood pressure.

1. How often should I monitor my blood pressure?
2. What is my blood pressure goal? Most people have a blood pressure goal of less than 120/80 mm Hg
3. Do I need any routine labs to follow up on my high blood pressure or high blood pressure medicine? Many hypertensive medications require periodic monitoring of certain labs.
4. What is a good weight for me? Is there a diet that will help me achieve this weight?
5. What are the side effects of my medicines?
6. When should I take my medicines?
7. Should I take my blood pressure pills with food or on an empty stomach?
8. What should I do if I forget to take my blood pressure medicine?
9. Do I need an electrocardiogram (EKG)? A baseline EKG may be helpful in those with hypertension. It can detect problems with the heart rhythm, with the size of the heart or detect a prior heart attack.
10. Do I need an echocardiogram? Some individuals with hypertension benefit from an echocardiogram that evaluates valve problems, heart function and helps tailor therapy.
11. Should I be on aspirin? It is recommended that most people with multiple risk factors for vascular disease be on aspirin unless there is a contraindication such as a bleeding disorder or a stomach ulcer.
12. What is my kidney function? Periodic evaluations of kidney function can detect one of the complications of high blood pressure – kidney failure.
13. Do I have protein in my urine? This is not a common test in those with high blood pressure but protein in the urine is an early marker of kidney damage.
14. What is my cholesterol? Those with hypertension are at increased risk for vascular disease. Monitoring cardiovascular risk factors can prevent cardiovascular disease. Ask the health care provider if cholesterol readings are at goal.
15. Have I been checked for diabetes? It is important to assess for all cardiovascular risk factors in those with hypertension.
16. What lifestyle changes should I make to help control my blood pressure? Most health care providers recommend exercise, a healthy diet, moderate to no alcohol consumption and stress reduction.
17. Do I need a stress test? Many individuals get a stress test to assess for cardiovascular disease. For most with hypertension it is important to obtain a stress test prior to starting an exercise program. 

For more information on high blood pressure check out a the free ebook: Chronic Disease Guide: How to Prevent and Treat Common Chronic Diseases.  The chapter on high blood pressure can be found at  http://www.mini-medicalschool.com/High_Blood_Pressure.html

Raymond Lengel, a certified family nurse practitioner, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science, a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and a Master of Science degree in nursing.
His writing career includes over 100 on-line continuing education courses developed for nurses, multiple articles and ten books. His books – which focus on improving the quality of individuals health care – may be viewed, many for free, at his website at http://www.mini-medicalschool.com.

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