Questions to Ask about Heart Health

Here are some helpful questions that you can ask your health care provider about heart health:

• What are the warning signs and symptoms of heart disease? (List any symptoms you might be having or are concerned about.)

• What are my personal risk factors for heart disease?

• What effect does menopause have on my heart disease risk?

• What is a healthy weight for me?

• What physical activity and activity level is right for me?

• What are my cholesterol levels and where should they be?

• What is my blood pressure and what should it be?

• What else can I do to lower my risk of heart disease?

• Are there any diagnostic tests or procedures that I should have to determine my risk for heart disease or for any symptoms that I might be having?

• If I need diagnostic tests or procedures, what information can I expect to get from the test and/or procedure and how will the results be used to make decisions about my care?

• What risk, if any are there for the diagnostic tests or procedures that I might need? Are there any risks to NOT having the test or procedure?

• Is there any special preparation I need to do before having the diagnostic test or procedure, such as fasting? Will there be any discomfort or things that I cannot do after the test or procedure?

• If medication is prescribed: Why was it prescribed? When do I take it? How much do I take? What other medications, food, or activities do I need to avoid (if any) while taking it? What side effects are common? Are there generic alternatives and are they right for me?

• When do I need to follow up with you to make sure your recommended medications, treatments, and/or lifestyle changes are working?

• Based on what I have told you and the tests and procedures you have done, do you believe that my symptoms are caused by heart disease?

• Where can I go for more information about heart disease?