Talk Pressure: A Guide to Hypertension Communication

Proven messages to explain hypertension and motivate action.
 

Managing hypertension is one of the biggest opportunities we have to prevent heart disease and stroke. Yet too often, people have limited knowledge of hypertension, doubt their ability to control it and struggle to take action. At the same time, healthcare and public health professionals face competing priorities and communication challenges that make it difficult to explain hypertension in ways that truly resonate.

Talk Pressure Guide

The “Talk Pressure: A 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 messages to help patients understand, feel confident and take small steps towards hypertension control. Stronger communication helps you build trust, and patients are more likely to follow through on treatment plans.

The Talk Pressure Guide is a resource developed as part of the National Hypertension Control Campaign, which launched in February 2026.

Download Digital Guide
Download Print Guide 
(Formatted for double-sided printing and folding.)


WHAT'S INSIDE THE GUIDE

The “Talk Pressure” communication framework is designed to strengthen communication with those you serve using five essential components:

  • Explain the Risks: Help people understand that uncontrolled blood pressure causes serious harm over time, even when they feel fine.
  • Define Control: Clearly state that control means keeping blood pressure below 130 over 80.
  • Give Hope: Reinforce that control is achievable and that taking action now can prevent further damage.
  • Share the Plan: Outline the simple, three-part plan: measure blood pressure regularly, make sustainable lifestyle changes, and take medication as prescribed.
  • Address Barriers: Acknowledge common challenges and work with patients to adjust the plan so it fits their lives.

Use this framework to build trust and increase the chances that patients follow through with treatment.
 

HOW TO USE THE TALK PRESSURE GUIDE

  1. Download the Talk Pressure Guide. Save it on your device or print a copy for quick access.
     

  2. 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.

  3. 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 healthcare and public health professionals strengthen patient communication.

NEED HELP?
Contact the National Hypertension Control Program Team.