How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About High Blood Pressure (Reading)

Audience: adult

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Telemedicine visits can be a convenient way to discuss your blood pressure readings with a healthcare provider, especially if you have a home blood pressure monitor. During a telemedicine visit, your provider may review your readings, discuss lifestyle changes, and adjust medications if needed. To get the most out of your visit, it’s important to prepare by having your blood pressure readings ready, listing any symptoms or concerns, and knowing your medical history. However, telemedicine is not suitable for emergencies or when immediate physical exams or tests are needed. If you experience severe symptoms like chest pain or sudden weakness, seek in-person care right away. This guide helps you prepare for a telemedicine visit about high blood pressure and understand when to choose in-person care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Chest pain or pressure lasting more than a few minutes — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or confusion — call emergency services right away.
• Very high blood pressure readings (e.g., systolic over 180 mm Hg or diastolic over 120 mm Hg) with symptoms like headache or vision changes — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing home blood pressure readings.
• Discussing medication side effects and adjustments.
• Providing lifestyle advice for blood pressure management.
• Answering questions about high blood pressure.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams or blood tests.
• Diagnosing emergencies or severe symptoms.
• Managing uncontrolled or very high blood pressure requiring urgent care.
• Providing immediate treatment for stroke or heart attack symptoms.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure means the force of your blood pushing against your artery walls is too high. It often has no symptoms but can cause serious health problems over time, like heart attacks or strokes. Regular monitoring helps manage it effectively.

When to Use Telemedicine for High Blood Pressure

Telemedicine can be useful for routine check-ins, discussing your home blood pressure readings, medication adjustments, and lifestyle advice. It allows you to connect with your healthcare provider without traveling to a clinic.

How to Prepare for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your visit, measure your blood pressure using a reliable monitor. Write down several recent readings, including date and time. Prepare a list of any symptoms, medications you take, and questions you want to ask. Ensure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) has a good internet connection and is charged.

What to Expect During the Visit

Your provider will review your blood pressure readings and ask about your health and lifestyle. They may suggest changes to your diet, exercise, or medications. They cannot perform physical exams or tests but can decide if you need in-person care.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you have symptoms like chest pain, severe headache, sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, or very high blood pressure readings (usually above 180/120 mm Hg), seek emergency care immediately. These signs need prompt physical evaluation and treatment.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have your home blood pressure monitor ready and take several readings before the visit.
• Write down your recent blood pressure readings with dates and times.
• List all medications and supplements you are taking.
• Note any symptoms or concerns related to your blood pressure.
• Prepare questions you want to ask your healthcare provider.
• Ensure your device has a stable internet connection and is fully charged.
• Find a quiet, private space for your telemedicine visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any medication changes or lifestyle recommendations from your provider.
• Monitor your blood pressure regularly as advised.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if recommended.
• Seek in-person care if you develop new or worsening symptoms.
• Keep a record of your blood pressure readings to share at future visits.

FAQs

Can I rely on home blood pressure monitors for my readings?

Home blood pressure monitors can be accurate if used correctly. Make sure to follow the instructions, sit quietly for a few minutes before measuring, and take multiple readings at different times. Share these readings with your healthcare provider during your visit.

What should I do if my blood pressure readings are very high at home?

If your readings are very high (for example, systolic over 180 mm Hg or diastolic over 120 mm Hg) and you have symptoms like headache, chest pain, or vision changes, seek emergency medical care immediately. If you have no symptoms but consistently high readings, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Can telemedicine visits replace all in-person visits for high blood pressure?

Telemedicine is useful for routine monitoring and medication management but cannot replace physical exams, blood tests, or emergency care. Your provider will advise when an in-person visit is necessary.

How often should I check my blood pressure at home?

Your healthcare provider will recommend how often to check your blood pressure based on your condition. Often, it’s suggested to measure once or twice daily for a week before a visit, but follow your provider’s instructions.

Sources

1. High Blood Pressure — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Hypertension — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) — Mayo Clinic.
4. Hypertension in Adults: Diagnosis and Management — National Library of Medicine.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine can help manage high blood pressure in many cases, but it cannot replace in-person examinations or emergency treatment. If you experience severe symptoms or have concerns about your health, seek immediate in-person care.