What to bring to a blood-pressure appointment

Your one-minute packing list

• Your recent blood-pressure record
• A complete medication and supplement list
• Your three most important questions
• Brief notes about symptoms or concerns
• Your monitor, if the clinic asked for it
• Health card and any clinic instructions

1. Bring the readings your provider requested

Bring an organized record with dates and times rather than only the highest or lowest number you remember. Heart & Stroke recommends bringing a record of home readings to your appointment.

If your healthcare provider asked for a specific schedule or date range, use that instruction first. MyBPStory can turn the readings you entered into a date-range PDF that is easier to scan than loose notes.

2. Bring a complete medication list

Include prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal or alternative products. Add the name, dose, and when you take each one when you know them. Your pharmacy may be able to print a current list.

Do not stop, start, or change medication because of an app or a single reading. Discuss medication questions with your doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist.

3. Write down your three main questions

Appointments can move quickly. HealthLink BC suggests writing down the three questions you most want answered. Put the most important one first.

Also note your main symptoms or concerns, when they started, and what you were doing at the time. Keep the notes factual. They help you remember what to discuss; they are not a diagnosis.

4. Ask whether to bring your home monitor

Hypertension Canada advises bringing a home monitor to a healthcare professional annually so its accuracy can be checked. Ask the clinic whether they want the monitor and cuff at this appointment; it is not necessary to carry it to every visit unless requested.

5. Cover the appointment basics

Bring your health card and follow any instructions from the clinic. It can also help to have your pharmacy’s name and phone number, glasses or hearing aids you use, and a trusted support person when appropriate.

Before you leave, write down any changes and ask what to measure next, when to follow up, and who to contact if you have questions.