OxfordPress.com

Review the following 'Questions To Ask' about heart disease so you're prepared to discuss this important health issue with your health care professional.

1. What tests should I have, and how often, to monitor my risk factors for developing heart disease?

2. What do my test results mean? Do I have heart disease?

3. What sort of treatment plan do you recommend?

4. Am I at high risk for heart-related complications if I take birth control pills?

5. What are the possible side effects of medications I've been prescribed?

6. What should I do if I experience chest pain or if I think I'm having a heart attack?

7. How can I tell the difference between angina and a heart attack?

8. I've heard there is new scientific evidence indicating that use of hormone therapy by postmenopausal women can actually increase a woman's risk of developing heart disease, as well as other diseases such as breast cancer. I am currently taking hormone therapy, should I stop?

9. What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my cardiovascular health? Could vitamins help me?

10. Should I take aspirin to help prevent a heart attack? If so, how much and how often?