How
do I find out if I am at risk for heart disease?
The first step
toward heart health is becoming aware of your own
personal risk for heart disease. Some risks, such
as smoking cigarettes, are obvious: every woman
knows whether or not she smokes.
But other risk
factors, such as high blood pressure or high blood
cholesterol, generally don't have obvious signs or
symptoms. So you'll need to gather some information
to create your personal "heart profile."
You
and Your Doctor: A Heart Healthy Partnership
A crucial step in determining your risk is to see
your doctor for a thorough checkup. Your physician
can be an important partner in helping you set and
reach goals for heart health. But don't wait for
your physician to mention heart disease or its risk
factors. Many doctors don't routinely bring up the
subject with women patients. Here are some tips for
establishing good, clear communication between you
and your doctor:
Speak up.
Tell your doctor you want to keep your heart healthy
and would like help in achieving that goal. Ask
questions about your chances of developing heart
disease and how you can lower your risk. (See "Questions
To Ask Your Doctor" on page 15 of
The
Healthy Heart Handbook for Women.)
Also ask for tests that will determine your
personal risk factors. (See "Check
It Out" (PDF, 46K) on page 16 of
The
Healthy Heart Handbook for Women.)
Keep tabs on treatment.
If you already are being treated for heart disease
or heart disease risk factors, ask your doctor to
review your treatment plan with you. Ask: Is what
I'm doing in line with the latest recommendations?
Are my treatments working? Are my risk factors
under control? If your doctor recommends a medical
procedure, ask about its benefits and risks. Find
out if you will need to be hospitalized and for how
long, and what to expect during the recovery period.
Be
open.
When your doctor asks you questions, answer as
honestly and fully as you can. While certain topics
may seem quite personal, discussing them openly can
help your doctor find out your chances of developing
heart disease. It can also help your doctor work
with you to reduce your risk. If you already have
heart disease, briefly describe each of your
symptoms. Include when each symptom started, how
often it happens, and whether it has been getting
worse.
Keep it simple.
If you don't
understand something your doctor says, ask for an
explanation in simple language. Be especially sure
you understand how to take any medication you are
given. If you are worried about understanding what
the doctor says, or if you have trouble hearing,
bring a friend or relative with you to your
appointment. You may want to ask that person to
write down the doctor's instructions for you.
