Ask the Right Questions (Heart Health)
Anytime you visit your doctor, it’s important to prepare ahead of time. Office visits can make many people feel rushed or flustered, or cause them to forget to ask basic questions about their health. If you have high blood pressure, it’s essential to get as much information as possible from your doctor about your condition. Make sure to ask the following questions:
What is my blood pressure reading in numbers?
What is my goal blood pressure?
Is there a healthy eating plan that I should follow to help lower my blood pressure and lose weight?
Is it safe for me to do regular physical activity?
What is the name of my medication?
Can I use a generic medication instead of a brand name?
What are the possible side effects of my medication?
What time of day should I take my blood pressure medicine?
Should I take it with or without food?
What should I do if I forget to take my blood pressure medication at the recommended time or miss a dose entirely?
The more you know and understand about your condition, the more able you will be to properly treat it. Your doctor is a valuable resource — use your visit to its full advantage!
B-man 