Talk Pressure: A Healthcare Professional’s Guide to Hypertension Communication
Managing hypertension is one of the biggest opportunities we have to prevent heart disease and stroke. Yet too often, patients have limited knowledge of hypertension, doubt their ability to control it, and struggle to take action. At the same time, healthcare professionals face competing priorities and communication challenges that make it difficult to explain hypertension in ways that truly resonate.
The “Talk Pressure: A Healthcare Professional’s Guide to Hypertension Communication” was created to bridge this gap. Grounded in audience research and insights from healthcare and public health professionals, it equips you with practical, evidence-based messages to help patients understand, feel confident, and take small steps. Stronger communication helps you build trust, and patients are more likely to follow through on treatment plans.
The Talk Pressure Guide is the first in a suite of resources tied to the National Hypertension Control Campaign, set to launch in February 2026.
WHAT'S INSIDE THE GUIDE
The Talk Pressure Guide presents the C.A.R.E approach to strengthen patient-healthcare professional communication:
- Close Knowledge Gaps: Explain core facts about hypertension and its risks.
- Affirm Productive Beliefs: Reinforce that hypertension control is possible and worth the effort.
- Reframe Barriers: Address concerns and misconceptions that may hold patients back.
- Encourage Next Steps: Empower patients to take clear, achievable actions.
Say it with C.A.R.E to build trust and increase the chances that patients follow through with treatment.
Inside the Talk Pressure Guide you will find:
- Evidence-based messages you can use in conversations with patients that align with each of the four key areas.
- Practical communication tips, including dos and don’ts to guide how you deliver your messages.
- Reflection questions, tools, and resources to help you plan communications, whether for one-on-one patient conversations or broader public health campaigns.
HOW TO USE THE TALK PRESSURE GUIDE
- Download the Talk Pressure Guide. Save it on your device or print a copy for quick access.
- Tailor Messages to Your Audience. Start by considering your audience’s existing knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes. This helps you decide which messages are most relevant to your audience.
- For example, patients newer to managing hypertension may need you to explain the basics before addressing beliefs and inspiring action. In contrast, patients further along in their journey may already know the basics and believe control is possible, but may need your help with reinforcing actions.
- For example, patients newer to managing hypertension may need you to explain the basics before addressing beliefs and inspiring action. In contrast, patients further along in their journey may already know the basics and believe control is possible, but may need your help with reinforcing actions.
-
Apply the Messages in Your Setting. The Talk Pressure Guide is designed for anyone who communicates about health, including health educators, clinicians, public health staff, and more. Use it to:
- Prepare for personalized patient conversations during clinic visits.
- Share consistent messages in trainings for healthcare staff.
- Incorporate messages into community health education, such as group sessions or outreach events.
- Reinforce key messages through follow-ups via phone calls and patient portals. - Share the Talk Pressure Guide. Promote effective communication by sharing the Talk Pressure Guide with your colleagues, teams, and partner organizations. Share it on social media to help more providers strengthen patient communication.
- Provide Feedback. As you use the Talk Pressure Guide, submit your feedback here . Your feedback helps us understand how this resource is being used and how it can be improved.
NEED HELP?
Contact the National Hypertension Control Program Team.