When you learn how to discuss your concerns and questions with your physician, you are taking an important first step towards managing heart disease. 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.
There are those who hope that their questions will be answered through the course of an examination, rather than having to actually voice them. 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. Ask your doctor which tests are suggested for people of your age, both currently and in the future.
If you have been prescribed medication, make sure you find out the purpose of the drug, if there are any side effects, and possible interactions with other meds, either over the counter or prescription. Also find out if this is a long term medication or temporary. If recommended by your physician, you’ll need to take further tests to monitor the effects of your medication. If you’re on specific medications, many doctors will want to test your liver.
If you find that you always forget to ask your doctor something important, write down all your concerns before you get there. Remember to take along a list of your current prescriptions. 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. 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.
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