Working well with your healthcare team

What to tell your healthcare team

There are a number of key things you should try to let your doctor or specialist know, including:

• If you are having any side effects from your medication.
• If you have other health concerns, even if you don't think they're related, such as headaches or problems with your vision.
• Bad habits. Don't try to hide it if you are a heavy smoker or drinker. Concealing this information could affect and even hinder your treatment and care.
• How having high blood pressure is making you feel emotionally.

Questions you may want to ask

Don't be afraid to ask if you're not sure about any of your doctor's or specialist's recommendations. If you feel there's a lot to remember, you may find it helps to take notes while talking with your doctor.

Make sure you understand all you want to know about your condition, and know why certain treatment options have been suggested. You could also consider asking:

• Where you can go to get more information about high blood pressure and its treatment. There may be websites your doctor considers useful or patient support groups you can join.
• What happens next and in the future. For example, should you return regularly, and if so how often, to have your blood pressure checked? Or will another healthcare professional be responsible for monitoring your condition?
• Are there lifestyle changes you could make to help your condition improve, such as changing your eating habits or giving up smoking?
• If you are not sure about your diagnosis and/or the treatment prescribed and think a second opinion might help, don't be worried about asking for one. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a specialist or another GP in the practice. A second opinion can help ensure that your treatment and care are successful.

It's important not to think you are wasting your doctor's time if you have lots of questions and concerns. Your health is important, so if you do feel that you need more time with the doctor you could always ask whether a double appointment is available. This may not be possible when you see a specialist.

Role of the pharmacist

If you and your doctor decide you should receive medication for your high blood pressure, you may find that the healthcare professional you have the most contact with is your local pharmacist.

It's good to remember that your pharmacist is more than just someone who sells you your medication. A pharmacist is an expert on how medicines work and interact, and can advise you about any safety concerns - especially important if you're taking more than one medicine at the same time.

Read more about how your pharmacist can help you (PDF)

As part of the service to make sure your medications are right for you and that you're getting the best from them, your pharmacist can offer you a free 'Medicines Use Review' (MUR). Find out more about the Medicines Use Review (PDF)

Navigate the NHS

Understanding how the NHS works - and what NHS services are available in your area - can help you to get the most out of your interactions with healthcare professionals. This will enable you to manage your condition better and live your life in the best possible health.

See our guide to finding your way around the NHS (PDF)