What to ask at your next heart checkup

Heart checkups are important to include in your annual health screenings, especially if you're at higher risk for developing heart disease or other cardiac conditions.

Primary care providers (PCPs) can determine if you have early risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, and a cardiologist can thoroughly examine your heart health and suggest treatment options, if needed.

Whether you've attended cardiology appointments before or you're preparing for your first one, thinking ahead about what to bring and having questions ready to ask your provider can be helpful.

Prepare for your heart checkup

The first step, especially if this is your first heart checkup with a cardiologist, is to provide your medical history. This information gives your cardiac provider a better understanding of your overall health and how it may affect your cardiovascular health, including your heart muscle, heart rhythm, coronary arteries, and more. Be sure to give your cardiologist any updated information at every appointment, including your most up-to-date contact information.

Here is a list of what to share with your provider:

Complete health history, including surgeries, existing health conditions, and ongoing treatments
Current medications you're taking (bring the containers with you if possible)
Family history, especially cardiovascular conditions
Tests or lab results performed within the past year
The names of your healthcare providers and their specialties

As you gather these materials, write down any questions that come up about the information you see. For example, if something seems foreign to you, make a note to ask what it means and why it's important.

Questions to ask about your cardiac health

During an initial cardiac appointment, your provider will likely measure your weight, blood pressure, and review your heart health history. This is an opportunity for you to get answers. If you're having a heart checkup for a specific cardiac condition, it's important to ask about any associated symptoms you are experiencing or may experience in the future.

If there isn't a specific condition you're concerned about, the following questions from the American Heart Association are a good place to start. Use them as guidance to create questions about heart health and associated cardiac conditions.

Consider the following questions:

How do cardiac conditions put me at risk for other health issues?
How does my current heart health affect my future?
How do I monitor my heart health at home?
How often should I schedule heart checkups?
Should I keep a written record of my at-home heart health screenings?
What are the most important ways to manage my cardiac condition?
What should I do if I start to experience cardiac symptoms?
Which cardiac tests should I have?
Which cardiac treatment methods should I consider?
Will cardiac issues make my current conditions worse?

As you exchange information, your cardiologist may suggest referrals for additional heart health tests or vascular screenings.

Additional questions to consider

A heart checkup is also a good time to ask your cardiologist about healthy lifestyle habits you should focus on. Making lifestyle adjustments can be crucial for improving your heart health. If you're managing multiple medications and find it challenging, bring it up during your visit. Your cardiologist can help make medication management easier.

Daily life questions to ask:

Does my current heart health impact the way I live my daily life?
What do I do if I can't meet my lifestyle goals?

Diet and exercise questions to ask:

What type of diet should I follow to support my heart health?
What type of exercise can I do that's safe and effective for my heart health? Do I need to make changes to my current activity level?
What resources are helpful for maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine?
Where can I get help for quitting smoking?

Medication management questions to ask:

Can you help me manage my medication schedule?
Will I experience any side effects from the new medications you prescribe?
What should I do if I experience medication side effects?

Your cardiologist is there to help maintain your heart health and treat cardiac conditions. If you're struggling to eat healthy, be active, or manage your medications, share the reasons why. It might feel awkward at first, but your PCP and cardiologist are by your side and want to help you get healthy. They will work with you every step of the way to find a solution.

Ready to make heart health a priority? Request an appointment at Reid Health Heart & Vascular Center.

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