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Article Series: Heart Health
I Want A Healthy Heart!
Ask
Your Doctor About Heart Disease
One
of the most important things you can do to take care of
your health is to learn to speak with your
healthcare provider about your concerns. Many people go to
the doctor and become intimidated by the person who’s examining
them.
Instead of asking the right questions, some patients simply
hope that the doctor explains what they need to know. In today’s
world of HMOs, doctors have more patients than ever and less
time to spend with them.
It’s up to you as the patient to make sure you press to get
your questions answered. But what if you don’t even know what
to ask? There are several things you should discuss with your
doctor when it comes to your heart health.
This is especially true if you’re a woman, because doctors
are less likely to bring up heart disease with women, even
though they account for half the heart disease deaths. You
need to ask your doctor what your blood pressure is and what
it ought to be.
You should also find out about your blood cholesterol and
glucose levels to find out if they’re normal. Ask your doctor
what kinds of screening tests you should have at your current
age and in the near future.
If you’re prescribed medication, you should ask about drug
interactions, why the drug was prescribed, what kind of side
effects it has, and how long you’ll need to take it. You should
also find out if you need to have subsequent tests to make
sure that the medication isn’t harming your body, such as liver
function tests.
If you find that you forget to ask questions that are on your
mind, it helps to write down a list of your questions that
you can refer to when talking to the doctor. You should also
bring a list of any medications you’re currently taking with
you.
This is especially true if you have more than one doctor.
You should also make a list of any treatments or surgeries
you’ve had in the past in addition to any serious illnesses
you’ve dealt with in your life. This information needs to be
part of your medical chart.
Finally, if you’re concerned that you might not be able to
remember what your doctor says, you may want to take notes
or even tape record your appointment. This will help you to
refer back for your doctor’s advice. And don’t be afraid to
get a second opinion if your doctor is prescribing a treatment
or surgery or if you feel like your doctor didn’t address your
concerns.
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by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2008
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