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High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure makes the heart work harder, so high blood pressure can make people with heart failure feel worse and have more problems.
If you have high blood pressure and are taking medicines to keep it normal, be sure to take your medicines only as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor or nurse may also recommend that you learn to take your own blood pressure and keep a record of your blood pressure measurements. This is done to see if your high blood pressure pills are working properly.
Many of the medicines used to treat heart failure are also used to treat high blood pressure. These include ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics (water pills), and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Some high blood pressure medicines may slow your heart rate (e.g., beta-blockers), and some may cause fluid retention. If you have questions about the side effects of any of your blood pressure medicines, you should contact your doctor or nurse.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor Nurse
Q: Do I have high blood pressure? What should my blood pressure be?
Reason for asking this question: It is important for you to understand all of your chronic medical conditions, so the doctors and nurses involved in your care can develop a treatment plan that will work well for you. It is also easier to participate more actively in your own care if you understand the medical conditions affecting your health.
Q: Should I check my blood pressure at home?
A: Ask your doctor or nurse if they recommend that you check your blood pressure at home.
