While a doctor or health care professional has the knowledge and training to help you make informed decisions to lower the risk of heart disease, the ultimate responsibility rests with individuals to work together with the experts.
Sharing in the responsibility for your care means sharing information about your health. Here are some questions to ask your doctor or health care professional.
- What is my risk for heart disease?
- What is my blood pressure? What does it mean for me, and what do I need to do about it?
- What are my cholesterol numbers? (These include total cholesterol, LDL or "bad" cholesterol, HDL or "good" cholesterol, and triglycerides). What do they mean for me, and what do I need to do about them?
- What is my "body mass index" and waist measurement? Do they indicate that I need to lose weight for my health?
- What is my blood sugar level, and does it mean I'm at risk for diabetes?
- What other screening tests for heart disease do I need? How often should I return for checkups for my heart health?
- What can you do to help me quit smoking?
- How much physical activity do I need to help protect my heart?
- What is a heart-healthy eating plan for me? Should I see a registered dietitian or qualified nutritionist to learn more about healthy eating?
- How can I tell if I'm having a heart attack?