YOU NEED TO WORK WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL TO HELP COME UP WITH A PLAN TO: Help set, achieve and maintain a healthier blood pressure goal Maintain a healthy weight Be physically active Follow a healthy eating plan Reduce salt in your diet Drink alcohol only in moderation Stop smoking Take prescribed medications as directed

If you have high blood pressure, you and your registered nurse and other health care professionals need to work as a team to help reduce it. Together, you should come up with a plan and a realistic timetable for reaching your healthier blood pressure goal.

Use the following tips to begin a discussion with your health care professional:

• Talk to your health care professional to determine a healthier blood pressure goal.



• Ask your health care professional to explain all possible treatment options and lifestyle changes that will help you reach a healthier blood pressure.


• If you are currently on medication for high blood pressure but your blood pressure numbers are still too high, ask your health care professional if there are additional treatment options that may be better for you.

Be sure to set a blood pressure goal with your health care professional. Chart your progress, by monitoring and recording your blood pressure numbers regularly.