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TALKING WITH YOUR DOCTOR



Conversation Starters

Your doctor is your partner in managing your health — and not just when you are sick. Make it a point at each visit to ask how you can stay healthy and live a heart–healthier life.


Below are important questions you can print out and take to your next appointment as you discuss the following topics.

Cholesterol

  • What is cholesterol and how may it affect my health?
  • What is my total cholesterol level?
  • What is my triglyceride level?
  • What are my HDL (“good”) and LDL (“bad”) levels?
  • What is a healthy cholesterol level?
  • How often should I have my cholesterol checked?

High Blood Pressure

  • What is high blood pressure and how may it affect my health?
  • What is my blood pressure?
  • What is my systolic number and what does it mean?
  • What is my diastolic number and what does it mean?
  • How often should I have my blood pressure checked?

Obesity and Body Mass Index

  • What is my weight?
  • At what weight would I be considered overweight? Obese?
  • What is my height?
  • What is my Body Mass Index (BMI)?
  • What BMI range is healthy for me?

Smoking

  • How can I quit smoking?
  • How can I avoid gaining weight after I quit smoking?

Diabetes

  • What is diabetes and how may it affect my heart health?
  • What is my fasting blood glucose (sugar)?
  • Diabetes runs in my family. How can I prevent it?
  • I have diabetes. How can I control it?
  • I have diabetes, and I know that increases my risk of heart disease and stroke. Should I be on medication(s) to help lower or manage my risks?

Physical Activity

  • What can I do to increase my physical activity levels?

Risk

  • If I am at intermediate or high risk for heart disease, are medicines for blood pressure control, cholesterol control (e.g., statin, niacin, fibrates) and aspirin appropriate for me?

Family History

  • Does my family history of heart disease and stroke put me at increased risk for these diseases?

Heart Attack and Stroke

  • What is a heart attack?
  • What is a stroke?
  • What are my risk factors for heart attack and stroke?
  • How would I know if I am having a heart attack or stroke?
  • What should I do if I think I’m having a heart attack or stroke?
  • Get your numbers
  • Assess your risk