7 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Blood Pressure Medication

Many doctors are pressured for time, and may cut corners when it comes to answering questions. Here is a list of questions you should ask your doctor about blood pressure. The questions come from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

To find out where you stand when it comes to your blood pressure and the lifestyle measures needed to control it, make sure you know the answers to these questions:

1. What is my blood pressure reading in numbers? You should know your blood pressure numbers just as you know your weight. Don't settle for an answer like "You're fine," "Leave that to me," or "You're right in the middle." Ask for the numbers and ask your doctor to write them down for you.
2. What is my goal blood pressure? Ask your doctor what blood pressure level you're aiming for. The usual goal is less than 140/90 mm Hg. If you have diabetes or kidney disease, your goal may be lower—less than 130/80 mm Hg.
3. Is my blood pressure under control? If your blood pressure is even a little above 140/90 mm Hg (or 130/80 mm Hg if you have diabetes or kidney disease), it may not be under good control. Tell your doctor that you want your blood pressure at the healthiest possible level and that you are willing to do whatever it takes to reach it -- including taking multiple drugs.
4. Is my systolic pressure too high (over 140 mm Hg)? Both blood pressure numbers are important. But if you're age 50 or older, your systolic pressure (the top number) is a more important risk factor for heart disease than your diastolic pressure (the bottom number), and that's where your blood pressure-lowering efforts should be focused.
5. What's a healthy weight for me? Being overweight can lead to high blood pressure. Doctors define overweight as a body mass index of 25 or more, or a waist circumference larger than 40 inches if you are a man or more than 35 inches if you are a woman. Even if you take medication for high blood pressure, losing weight is important because it helps the medication work more effectively. In fact, if you lose weight, you might be able to take a lower dosage, use fewer drugs, or even go off blood pressure medication altogether.
6. Is there a diet to help me lose weight or to control my blood pressure? If your doctor wants you to lose pounds, ask for specifics: Is there a diet or method that might work best for you?
7. Is it safe for me to start doing regular physical activity? Getting some physical activity on most days of the week is an excellent way to help lower your blood pressure, especially when combined with dietary changes and sodium restriction. However, you must check with your physician before starting a new exercise routine to make sure that your heart is healthy enough for exercise.