A trip to a cardiologist can be a daunting task. As heart diseases are the leading causes of death in Australia, it’s important to be informed and take advantage of that knowledge. If it’s your first time visiting a heart doctor, here are five great questions that you can ask about heart diseases.
What kind of heart condition do I have?
It is best to be straightforward with your cardiologist about the kind of heart problem you may have. As much as possible, get to the bottom of it and obtain all the necessary information you can get.
What are the options for treating heart disease?
The heart is perhaps one of the most sensitive organs inside the body. That is why it’s necessary to have your heart doctor enumerate the choices you have for treatment. Some doctors might give medications, recommend surgery, and/or other procedures. This will give you a good overview of the next steps to make.
Who will perform the procedure?
If you’re nominated to undergo surgery, be sure to know who’s going to lead the operation. Ask your cardiologist about his experience in surgeries and other similar procedures. You can also enquire about the typical success rate of the operation you will undergo. If a different surgeon or cardiologist is performing a surgery on you, look up their full credentials and have a talk with them as soon as possible.
How low should my LDL be?
LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein. It is also known as “bad cholesterol” because high levels of LDL can clog up the arteries and cause heart problems. In this case, have your heart doctor give a specific range where your LDL should fall into.
What lifestyle changes should I make?
When you have a medical condition, a doctor will normally advise you to get adequate sleep, eat healthier, and do exercise. It also won’t hurt to ask for more specific recommendations especially if it can interfere with your lifestyle. List down what activities and products you should avoid.
Finding a Melbourne-based heart clinic that you can trust is now easy with Melbourne Eastern Healthcare. We offer various health services in our lovely clinic at 157 Scoresby Road, Boronia. Book your appointment with the best cardiologists in Melbourne by calling (03) 9839 3300 today.