Why You Need to Discuss Heart Disease With Your Physician
A critical first step in dealing with heart disease is to learn to talk to your doctor about your questions and worries. You’re not alone when it comes to difficulties in talking to a medical practitioner about your health concerns. 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. Physicians don’t always have as much time as they would like with each patient due to their demanding schedules and long waiting lists. 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. You need to know what your blood cholesterol and glucose levels are and if they are considered normal. 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. The liver is one organ that most doctors consider testing when a patient is on certain medicines.
If you find that you always forget to ask your doctor something important, write down all your concerns before you get there. Do not forget to bring with you the medications that you are presently on as well. This is essential if you are under the care of more than one health care practitioner.
Add to your list any surgeries or relevant illness that you have had and been treated for in the past few years. This should be recorded in your file so your physician is up to speed on any potential problems.
If you’re worred about forgetting what the doctor tells you, be sure to take notes or even use a recording device to use for later reference. 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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