Questions to Ask

If you have high blood pressure or your numbers aren’t as good as they once were, be sure to talk about it with your health care team during your next visit. Below are some questions to help get you started.

Checking and understanding your blood pressure

What is my blood pressure today? Is this the same as at other visits?
What should my blood pressure goal be?
How might my other conditions affect this goal?
Should I be checking my blood pressure at home? If so, how often?
What monitor do you recommend? (Also check out devices at ValidateBP.org)
Are there other places I can check my blood pressure between visits if I don’t have a home blood pressure machine?
When should I call your office about my blood pressure readings?
What are the potential health risks if my blood pressure remains high over time?

Making Lifestyle Changes

What lifestyle changes should I focus on first?
How can I cut back on salt and keep my sodium low, ideally under 1,500 mg a day?
Are there foods that naturally lower blood pressure?
I’ve heard carrying extra weight can raise blood pressure. What’s a healthy weight for me?
What type of physical activity is best to lower my blood pressure?
How does stress affect my blood pressure, and what can I do to manage stress?
Are there programs or medicines you can recommend to help me quit smoking or vaping?

Medications/Treatment

How do we decide if I need medicine in addition to lifestyle changes?
Which medicine(s) should I start on and why?
Will I need to take more than one?
How long will I need to stay on this medicine?
What are the benefits and any drawbacks of taking a combination pill?
What side effects should I expect? Will they go away with time?
Are there medications I’m already taking that can raise blood pressure?
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Is renal denervation an option for me down the road

Ongoing Follow Up

How soon should we re-check my blood pressure after starting on this treatment?
How will we know if treatment is working?

Last Edited 12/18/2025