What Should I Discuss with my Doctor?

Since your diagnosis, your physician has probably given you a great amount of information regarding coronary artery disease, the increased risk factors associated with the disease, and perhaps Web sites you can visit or other literature that might help you better understand your condition and what you can do at home. But, regardless of how much information you read or how many Web sites you encounter, you may still have questions that only your doctor can answer. You may wish for your doctor to elaborate on a point he only touched upon or your everyday routine may turn up a question or two. Below are a few tips to help you get the information you need from your doctor regarding coronary artery disease or any other condition:

• Keep a pad of paper on the counter and write your questions down. It is very easy to forget your questions from day to day. Keeping a pad of paper in a neutral place and jotting your questions down as they come to you will keep you from leaving the doctor’s office with unasked and unanswered questions. Also, encourage family members to write down their questions as well. Helping those who care about you understand your disease will only benefit you in the long run.
• Bring any medications you may be taking with you to appointments. Be sure to bring any medications you may be currently taking, even those your cardiologist has prescribed. It is important that your doctor know what medicines you are taking so that he can best evaluate your condition.
• Do not be afraid to ask. As the old adage goes, there is no stupid question. Do not be afraid to share your questions and concerns with your physician. If you do not ask, your doctor may assume you already know, and you may be missing out on valuable information. Furthermore, your doctor will be able to answer questions regarding exercise and diet, finding a support group and stopping smoking.
• Do not disregard changes. Most importantly, report any changes or symptoms you may be having. Because other very serious conditions can result in patients with coronary artery disease, be careful not to dismiss anything as unrelated.

In addition, there are a number of more disease–specific questions of which you should be aware. Consider the following when discussing coronary artery disease with your physician:

• Ask about a cardiac stress test. A cardiac stress test evaluates the heart and vascular system as you exercise. It is usually performed on a treadmill or a stationary bike. During this test, you are hooked up to an EKG or electrocardiogram, so the doctor can monitor your heart as the level of stress placed on it increases. This type of test will help the doctor determine if you have an underlying heart problem that is only evident when the heart is under stress and how severe the condition might be. It will also allow doctors to monitor previous repairs to the heart and will help establish what you can and cannot do in terms of exercise. Be sure to share any concerns you have about a stress test with your doctor.
• Ask about changes, symptoms and concerns. You should know what types of changes or symptoms are cause for concern. Find out the severity of various symptoms and how or when to contact your doctor should certain conditions arise.
• Ask about physical activity. Physical activity is an important element of maintaining a healthy lifestyle when you have coronary artery disease. However, you should check with your doctor before beginning any exercise routine to find out exactly what type of activity is best for your condition and what type you should avoid.
• Ask about your diet. Those who suffer from coronary artery disease should closely monitor their diet and avoid eating foods high in fat and cholesterol. Talk to your doctor concerning how meal plans should be adjusted and what role exercise plays in the foods you eat.
• Ask about your weight. Because obesity is such a significant risk factor in developing coronary artery disease, you should be aware of what your current body mass index (BMI) is and what it should be. Then, depending on your readings, your doctor should help you establish a diet and exercise routine that works best for you.
• Ask about your blood pressure levels. Low or high blood pressure is a sign that the heart is having difficulty pumping blood effectively. While your doctor will read your blood pressure at every appointment, ask what you can do to help monitor and regulate your blood pressure from home. She may suggest medication with a combination of diet and exercise.
• Ask about your cholesterol. While good cholesterol helps protect the heart from a heart attack, bad cholesterol builds up in the arteries, causing coronary artery disease. Talk to your doctor about your cholesterol levels and discuss the options for keeping your bad cholesterol levels down and your good up.
• Ask about treatment options. There are a number of treatment options available to help slow or stop the progression of coronary artery disease. Ask about your available treatment options, including lifestyle changes, medications and surgery.
• Ask about prescription drug side-effects and combining drugs. If your doctor prescribes medication, be sure to ask about any side–effects the drugs may have. Also, if you are taking other prescription or over–the–counter medicines, make sure your doctor knows to avoid harmful drug combinations. And always ask before beginning a new medication, including those purchased over–the–counter.

Choosing a Cardiologist

If you have not already chosen a doctor who specializes in heart or cardiac care, you need to do so. While a general practitioner can address your every day health care concerns, it is necessary that you have a specialist for a condition such as yours. Remember, choose your physician carefully, and keep the following in mind:

• Be sure your doctor is well educated in his or her field.
• Be sure your doctor is familiar with the latest guidelines and standards on heart management.
• Choose a doctor who is willing to work with you and help you learn to self-manage your disease.
• Be sure you have chosen a doctor that is listed in the Trust’s provider network, indicating that he or she takes the Teachers Health Trust Insurance Plan.

In addition to having a doctor you can trust, you may also work with a nutritionist or dietician to help regulate your diet. Likewise, a nurse or pharmacist may be able to assist with your questions.