Johns Hopkins Health Alert
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
Posted in Hypertension and Stroke on October 13, 2009
Medical Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute for the advice of a physician. Click here for additional information: Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Disclaimer
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Talking of the blood pressure numbers, it is usually said and heard that the lower number ( diastolic pressure) is insignificant ) and it is the higher number ( systolic pressure ) is in fact a matter of concern.How far it is true? If not than what is the lowest number for ( diastolic pressure whre one can feel comfortable. Please advise.
Posted by: malamgir | October 17, 2009 8:08 AM
my sist. 3 is 110 to 168 my dia. # is 52 to 58 most of the time about 135 / 56 I'm 79, taking my meds regularly. my wt. is 160 and ht. is 5' 7 " I noticed that pressure follows the state of mind. But I don't like to live on sedatives all the time. Any comments ?
Posted by: Pedro | October 31, 2009 3:38 PM
I would appreciate real info, rather than generic health magazine synopses. If the role of this 1st ranked medical facility is truly informative, then could I access medication recalls/issues/ongoing cutting edge problems, without waiting to read a popular magazine (in the doc's office) that does about the same job--but without the info described in my comment. In other words, thousands of posts on many sites deal with Armour thyroid use v. synthroid. What's real? Or is that difficult to address given the power of advertising pharmaceuticals? And what are the pros and cons of beta blockers with or without other hypertension medications? Caught in a vanity war between doctors, a consumer or caregiver is not helped by this site.
If I am mistaken, perhaps you could tell me how to search your site more usefully; if I am correct, perhaps you could direct me to another more relevant site. Thank you.
Posted by: stillliterate | January 30, 2011 8:58 AM
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Please notify me of any blood pressure medicines that work well for someone with chronic renal insufficiency. I can't take beta-blockers, not any diuretics with sulfa in them. The doctors say I cannot have ACE inhibitors anymore (took them over ten years), and calcium channel blockers cause swelling of the feet, ankle and legs with ensuing night cramping. Would ARBs be worth a try? Thank you so very much. Marion
Posted by: marionpeterman@yahoo.com | October 17, 2009 1:43 AM