Heart Smart Basics: What to Know to Keep Yours Healthy.

Being smart about your heart means knowing what causes heart disease and what your individual risk factors are. Talk with your healthcare provider about yours at every visit. Here are some questions you can use to guide the discussion:

Blood Pressure
● What was my blood pressure reading today and what do the numbers mean for me?
● How often should I have my blood pressure checked?
● What do my blood pressure numbers mean for me if I’m pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant?
● Can any medicines that I take (prescribed or over-the counter) affect my blood pressure?

Heart Disease Risk Factors
● What risk factors do I have for heart disease? Is there anything I can do to change these risks?
● How can cholesterol affect my heart health? What are my cholesterol levels and are they in a healthy range?
● What is my BMI and is there a goal I should be working towards? What is my healthy weight range?
● If I smoke or drink, how does it affect my heart health?

Staying Heart Healthy
● What do you recommend I do between now and my next visit that can lower my risk for heart disease?
● How much physical activity do I need to keep my heart healthy?
● What foods or diets that can help keep my heart healthy?
● How can managing stress affect my heart health?
● What tests should I get to get a better understanding of my heart health?