Talk to Your Doctor About Your Heart Health
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. Women particularly need to speak up, because even though they suffer half the deaths from heart disease, doctors hesitate to discuss this subject with them.
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. Ask your doctor which tests are suggested for people of your age, both currently and in the future.
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. Tests to monitor the effects of the medication you are taking should be conducted at a later date if it is recommended by your doctor. If you’re on specific medications, many doctors will want to test your liver.
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.
Include your recent history of illness and surgery. This should be in your medical chart so that the doctor can be aware of anything that might cause a problem.
In conclusion, if you think that you may forget what you physician has told you, you can always write it down or record the appointment for later referral. Don’t hesitate to get a second opinion if you’re not comfortable with the advice and treatment recommendations of your doctor.