The presence or absence of a high pressure condition in an implantable blood pump is determined at least in part based on a comparison between a determined amount of differential pressure across the pump and a pressure threshold value. The amount of differential pressure parameter may be determined based at least in part on a parameter related to flow, such as a parameter related to thrust on the rotor of the pump. In response to determining the presence of a high pressure condition, an updated speed of rotation of the rotor that is less than the rotors initial speed may be determined. The rotors speed may be increased when the flow rate of blood is determined to be at least equal to a flow recovery threshold value.
