One of the most important things you can do is talk to your doctor about your risk of heart disease. Often there are no symptoms of heart disease which is why it is so important when you next visit your doctor to have your risk factors measured – whether or not you think anything is wrong with you.

Your doctor can measure your overall risk of getting heart disease and recommend tests that are appropriate for you. If you know your family’s heart health history, tell your doctor. And be open about your lifestyle – tell your doctor if you smoke or drink, what kinds of food you eat and how much physical activity you do. This information will help your doctor to measure your risk properly so that they can give you appropriate advice and if necessary treatment to reduce your risk of getting heart disease. Don’t know what questions to ask your doctor? Our list of questions will give you a good starting point.

Questions you can ask your doctor

Family history
Does my family history put me at greater risk?

Blood pressure
What should my blood pressure be?
How often should I have my blood pressure checked?
How can I lower my blood pressure?

Cholesterol
Am I due for a cholesterol test?
What do my cholesterol numbers mean?
What should my cholesterol goal be?
What can I do to reduce my cholesterol?

Lifestyle
What lifestyle changes can I make to help manage my blood pressure or cholesterol levels?
What healthy eating pattern can help with my risk factors?
What types of physical activity can I do?
How much physical activity should I be doing?
What can I do to have or maintain a healthy weight?
What can I do to stop smoking?

Medicines
Will I need to take medicines to manage my blood pressure or cholesterol levels?
If yes, what medicines do I need?
Are there any side effects I need to be aware of?
For how long do I need to take medicine?

Tests
Why do I need this test?
How is it done?
Will it hurt?
What are the benefits and risks?
When will I get the results?
Will I need to stay in hospital?

Referrals
Do I need to see another health professional, such as a dietician, physical activity professional or cardiologist?