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How to Discuss Heart Disease With Your Doctor

By Kim Adams

When you learn how to talk about your concerns and questions with your health care provider, you are taking an important first step towards managing cardiovascular disease. You're not alone when it concerns difficulties in communicating with a medical practitioner about your health concerns. But in terms of heart health and wellness no question should be left unanswered.

Sometimes folks wish that the answers to their questions will come out in the process of being checked over rather than asking them straight out. HMOs and the busy schedules of doctors with waiting rooms loaded with patients sometimes do not allow the physician to spend as much time with each patient as they would like. Women especially must speak up, since although they suffer half the deaths from cardiovascular disease, physicians hesitate to discuss heart wellness in women.

Questions that you should ask your health care provider include things like what your blood pressure reading is and what is usual for you. You will need to know what your blood cholesterol and glucose levels are and if they are considered within range. Find out from your doctor what tests are suggested for your age group right now and in the future.

If drugs have been prescribed, don't hesitate to ask if there are possible adverse reactions, what the drug is supposed to do, and whether you should take other medication, even non-prescription, with your prescribed drugs. Also discover if this is a long term medicine or short term. Tests to monitor the effects of the drugs you're taking need to be conducted at a later date if it is recommended by your physician. If you are on specific drugs, many doctors will want to test your liver.

If you always seem to get home from your check-up and remember something that you forgot to ask the doctor, make a "need to know" list and take it with you on your next trip. Do not forget to bring with you the medications that you are presently on as well. If you have more than one physician, this is essential. Include your recent history of illness and surgery. This needs to be recorded in your file so your physician is up to speed on any potential problems.

If you are concerned about forgetting what the physician tells you, make certain to take notes or even use a recording device to use for later reference. Don't hesitate to get a second opinion if you are not comfortable with the advice and treatment plan of your doctor. - 26706

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