Questions for Your Cardiologist
Almost half of all people in the United States have some form of cardiovascular disease. And furthermore, every 40 seconds, someone suffers a heart attack or a stroke, and it is for that reason that heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in America.
Because of the ever present statistical risk of heart disease, there is a case to be made that your cardiologist may in fact be your most important caregiver. A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in the heart and any conditions related to it or the cardiovascular system as a whole. Becoming a cardiologist requires several years of cardiology specific training after their medical residency, with some choosing an additional year or two to subspecialize.
Since a visit to a cardiologist will likely be brief, it can be helpful to plan in advance anything you’d like them to go over with you, and make a list of whatever questions you’d like to ask. You should also document all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take regularly, including the dosages.
When considering what to ask your cardiologist during your office visit, here are some good questions to get you started, along with why they’re important to ask.
- What are my future chances and risks of developing cardiovascular problems?
- Understanding your future risks for heart disease, strokes, aneurysms, and other similar issues will drive much of your health care. Your cardiologist will evaluate your current health conditions, lifestyle, and family history to determine what the biggest dangers are, and what needs to be managed.
- What symptoms might be indicative of a worsening specific condition?
- Since heart disease is such an umbrella term with room for many disparate conditions, it can be helpful and constructive to ask your doctor what you should be looking out for. A diagnosis of a leaky valve will, for instance, present much differently than someone with an issue with their heart rhythm.
- How important do you think it is to adopt new treatments and procedures?
- While every new technique and treatment needs to be studied and confirmed before accepted into practice, you don’t necessarily want a doctor who jumps on whatever new treatment is at the forefront of medical practice. Equally crucial, however, is not wanting a doctor who refuses to accept growth and innovation, leaving you stuck with treatments from ages ago. The best doctors aren’t the ones who try something new first, or last, but somewhere in between, staying abreast of developments and adopting them once value is proven.
- How can my lifestyle make a difference?
- While there are plenty of genetic and family history elements to cardiovascular disease, it’s also an area where lifestyle contributes just as much. Diet, exercise, stress levels, sleep, all these and more can greatly impact the health of your heart. Discussing with your doctor ways you can make some changes to your diet or routine is a great way to take steps to make your risks as low as you can and manage your condition.