What to ask your doctor about heart disease Keep these questions
in mind during your next appointment During your next visit to
the doctor, consider asking these questions to learn if you
could be at risk for heart disease: 1. What is my risk for heart
disease? 2. What is my blood pressure? What does it mean for me,
and what do I need to do about it? 3. 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? 4.
What is my "body mass index" and waist measurement? Do they
indicate that I need to lose weight for my health? 5. What is my
blood sugar level, and does it mean I'm at risk for diabetes? 6.
What other screening tests for heart disease do I need? How
often should I return for checkups for my heart health? 7. What
can you do to help me quit smoking? 8. How much physical
activity do I need to help protect my heart? 9. What is a heart-
healthy eating plan for me?