Heart Matters – 40 Important Questions to Find Answers For (Part 2)

If you have a heart problem (or recently suffered a heart attack) and have an upcoming appointment with your family doctor or cardiologist, it is important you ask the appropriate questions that will help you learn more about your condition and overall health. The answers to these questions will help you better understand what you can do to help better your quality of life. In part 1 of Heart Matters – 40 Questions to Find Answers For, we looked at fitness level, surgery and diagnostics. Next we’ll take a look at diet, medication and outlook questions for you to ask your doctor:

Diet:

16. Do I need to follow a low sodium diet, or are my levels and blood pressure fine?
17. Are there any particular foods I should be avoiding? How much alcohol can I safely drink, for example?
18. Are there certain foods (such as those containing omega-3 fatty acids) you suggest I introduce into my diet?
19. Are there any dietary supplements which may be dangerous for my condition that I should avoid?
20. Are there any dietary supplements I should start taking to better my condition?

Heart Medications:

21. How often, at what times and what dosage should I take my heart medication?
22. Is it dangerous to miss a dose? What will happen if I do?
23. How will this medication interact with the other medications (such as birth control) I am taking? What schedule should I follow to ensure all of my medications will be effective?
24. Are there any common side effects of this medication I should watch out for?
25. Should I take daily baby aspirin as well or will the benefits not outweigh the risks for me?

Other Conditions:

26. Do I have high blood pressure? Should I be monitoring it? What is the target range I should be looking to fall under?
27. How are my cholesterol levels? Should these be monitored every few months?
28. I have diabetes (or another chronic condition), how will my heart problem impact my other disease(s)? Do I have to take special precautions?
29. Is my heartrate stable and regular? Should I be tested for an arrhythmia?
30. Am I at higher risk for developing other diseases because of my heart disease? How can I lower my risk?

Maintenance and Outlook:

31. Am I at risk for future heart attacks? How can I better my odds?
32. Am I at higher risk for a stroke because of my cardiovascular condition? How can I prevent this?
33. Should I see another type of heart specialist in the future such as a vascular surgeon? Or should I see a dietician to help me formulate a personalized heart-healthy diet plan?
34. Will my heart disease affect my job or vice versa? Should I ease back on work stress?
35. Should I seek emotional support such as a support group for my condition? What mental health resources are available to help me cope?

All these questions will be a good start in helping you learn more about your condition and what will best help it, but you should try to write down any questions that come to mind so you make the best of your appointment. Thanks for visiting DocChat! If you would like to direct any of these questions to us, our doctors are on stand-by 24/7/365 to help!