What should I do now?
Call 911
Call 911 for chest pressure, severe trouble breathing, or sudden weakness, trouble speaking, or vision changes. Do not wait for a BP reading. Very high BP with these symptoms is an emergency.
Contact your care team
If the top number is above 180 or the bottom number above 120 without concerning symptoms, repeat after at least 1 minute. If still this high, contact your clinician immediately. Do not take extra medicine without instructions.
Keep your care plan
Keep your treatment and follow-up plan. Bring questions, readings, and your medication list.
SECTION 6
Your next steps
Leave each appointment knowing your blood pressure goal, medication plan, and follow-up schedule.
What should I bring?
- Your home blood pressure record.
- Your monitor, when requested, to check its accuracy.
- An updated list of medications, supplements, and over-the-counter products.
- Notes about symptoms, side effects, or missed doses.
- Questions you want to discuss.
Questions to ask your care team
- What is my blood pressure goal?
- How often and at what times should I check it?
- What does each medication do?
- Which side effects should I report?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Do I need blood or urine testing?
- Could another condition be contributing to my blood pressure?
- Which readings should prompt a call?
- When is my next appointment?
Understand your follow-up plan
You may need closer follow-up after starting or changing medication. Once your blood pressure is controlled, regular visits remain important.
Do not wait until you feel unwell to manage your blood pressure. Consistent treatment protects your health over the years ahead.
Updated October 2026. Educational information; your own care plan may differ. Medical illustrations are simplified examples for teaching.