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. 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. Women particularly need to speak up, because even though they suffer half the deaths from heart disease, doctors hesitate to discuss this subject with them.
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 medication has been prescribed, do not hesitate to ask if there are side effects, what the drug is supposed to do, and whether you should take other medication, even over the counter, with your prescribed medicine. Ascertain whether you’ll be on the medication for an indefinite period of time or if it’s a temporary treatment. 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. Do not forget to bring with you the medications that you are presently on as well. If you have more than one health care provider, this is a must.
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.
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.