Heart to Heart:
Team up with your doctor

In This Section:

Overview | The Facts | Signs & Symptoms
Change your risk | Take an Assessment | Team Up
SHMC Cardiac Service

It’s time for both women and
their doctors to take cardiovascular disease seriously:

• Fewer than half of doctors bring up the topic of heart disease with female patients.
• A recent study of female heart attack survivors found that 95 percent recognized symptoms of heart disease at least a month before having their heart attack.
• Women are less likely to get diagnostic tests or follow-up therapy recommended by the experts for heart disease or stroke.

Together with your doctor,
find the answers to these important questions:

1. What is my risk for heart disease and/or stroke?
2. What screening and diagnostic tests do I need?
3. What are my numbers, and what do they mean for me?
   1. Blood pressure
   2. Lipid levels: cholesterol (total; LDL; HDL) and triglycerides
   3. Body mass index and waist circumference
   4. Fasting blood sugar level
4. Based on my history and risks, what should I be doing to lower my risk of both heart disease and stroke?
5. For smokers: What can I do to help me quit?
6. What’s my goal for weight loss (or maintenance) over the next year?
7. What is the most heart-healthy eating plan for me?
8. What kind of physical activity is right for me?
9. What should I know about how menopause affects my health status?
10. Are we following the national guidelines for screening, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease?