Preparing for an appointment

No special preparations are necessary to have your blood pressure checked. But it's helpful if you wear a short-sleeved shirt or a loosefitting long-sleeved shirt that can be pushed up during your evaluation so that the blood pressure cuff can fit around your arm properly.

Take your blood pressure regularly at home, and keep a log of your readings. Bring the log with you to your doctor's appointment.

Take your blood pressure first thing in the morning. Lie down for the first reading. Complete taking your blood pressure, then wait one minute. Stand and take the second reading.

Also take your blood pressure at these times:

• After you eat
• When your symptoms are least severe
• When your symptoms are most severe
• When you take your blood pressure medications
• One hour after you take your blood pressure medications

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

• Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet for a blood test.
• Write down any symptoms you have, including any that may seem unrelated to low blood pressure, what triggers them and when they began.
• Write down key personal information, including a family history of low blood pressure and any major stresses or recent life changes.
• Make a list or bring bottles of all medications, vitamins or supplements you take because some medications — such as over-the-counter cold medicines, antidepressants, birth control pills and others — can affect your blood pressure. Don't stop taking any prescription medications that you think may affect your blood pressure without your doctor's advice.
• Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
• Be prepared to discuss your diet and exercise habits, especially the amount of salt in your diet. If you don't already follow a diet or exercise routine, be ready to talk to your doctor about any challenges you might face in getting started.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

For orthostatic hypotension, questions to ask your doctor include:

• What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• Could my medications be a factor?
• What are other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
• What tests will I need?
• What's the most appropriate treatment?
• How often should I be screened for low blood pressure? Should I measure it at home?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
• Are there any dietary or activity restrictions that I need to follow?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor will likely ask you questions, such as:

• How often do you have symptoms?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
• Do you ever temporarily stop taking your medications because of side effects or because of the expense?