Be Part of Your Own Health Care Team

At your next doctor visit, here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• What is my level of risk for cardiovascular disease?
• What is my blood pressure?
• Should I have my cholesterol levels tested?
• Should I have my blood sugar levels tested?
• What do these tests involve?
• Do I have to abstain from eating food or drinking alcohol before the test? If so, for how long? Can I drink water?
• Is this covered by my provincial insurance?

ONCE THE RESULTS ARE IN

If your blood pressure, blood sugar level or cholesterol levels are higher than your doctor deems appropriate, he/she may recommend lifestyle changes to help get these risk factors under control. These lifestyle changes may include increased physical activity and/or dietary changes.

Your doctor may also recommend medication to lower your blood pressure, lower your cholesterol levels or normalize your blood sugar levels. If your doctor does recommend medication, do not be afraid to ask questions.

Here are a few questions to ask so you can better understand your medication therapy program.

1. 1. What is the brand name of the medication?
2. 2. What is the chemical name of the medication
3. 3. What is the medication supposed to do?
4. 4. How do I take it?
5. 5. When do I take it?
6. 6. What foods, drinks, other medicines or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?
7. 7. What are the possible side effects? What do I do if they occur
8. 8. Can you give me additional written information about the medication?
9. 9. When is my next appointment?
10. 10. How often will you follow up with a blood test to check my blood sugar or cholesterol levels?
11. 11. What else can I do to help lower my cardiovascular risk?