A critical first step in dealing with heart disease is to learn to talk to your doctor about your questions and worries. You are not the only person who has problems communicating their concerns to the health care provider who performs your check-ups. But when it comes to heart wellness no question should be left unanswered.
Sometimes people hope that the answers to their questions will come out in the process of being examined instead of asking them point blank. HMOs and the busy schedules of doctors with waiting rooms full of patients sometimes do not allow the doctor to spend as much time with each patient as they would like. In particular, women need to voice their concerns, since heart disease isn’t as readily associated with women, even though they are equally at risk.
Questions that you should ask your doctor include what your blood pressure is recorded as and what is normal for you. Glucose and cholesterol levels need to be checked to see if they’re in an acceptable range. Find out from your physician what tests are recommended for your age group presently and in the years to come.
If medication has been prescribed, do not hesitate to ask if there are side effects, what the drug is supposed to do, and whether you should take other medication, even over the counter, with your prescribed medicine. Ascertain whether you’ll be on the medication for an indefinite period of time or if it’s a temporary treatment. If recommended by your physician, you’ll need to take further tests to monitor the effects of your medication. The liver is one organ that most doctors consider testing when a patient is on certain medicines.
If you always get home and remember something that you forgot to ask the doctor, make a “need to know” list and take it with you on your next visit. Do not forget to bring with you the medications that you are presently on as well. This is essential if you are under the care of more than one health care practitioner.
Add to your list any surgeries or relevant illness that you have had and been treated for in the past few years. This should be recorded in your file so your physician is up to speed on any potential problems.
If you’re worred about forgetting what the doctor tells you, be sure to take notes or even use a recording device to use for later reference. Do not be afraid to check around for a second opinion if you are not comfortable with the treatment that your doctor recommends or if you do not feel that he or she listened to your worries or questions.