WHAT’S UP DOC?
Talking to Your Doctor about Heart Health
Q: A:
As a generally healthy person, what should I discuss with my doctor about heart health? If you’re over age 65 and haven’t had any significant heart issues, your doctor could performa cardiac risk assessment. He or she will take into consideration your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, lifestyle factors, family history and other diseases youmay have such as diabetes. If you know your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, you can also use the American Heart Association’s Check Change Control Calculator at ccccalculator.ccctracker. com . If the assessment determines you’re at risk for heart disease, it’s time to talk to your doctor, quit smoking, get your weight in a healthy range andmake sure you’re eating healthy and getting in your physical activity. See the checklist for talking to you doctor on page 19 of this issue. How do women and men di er when it comes to heart health? Much of the scientific research on cardiovascular issues has been done on men, less of it on women. So there are still things we don’t know about women
Stacy Ballard MD, MBA Medica Senior Medical Director 22-year career as an OB/GYN Lives in Minneapolis with her husband, four children and fearless dog Zeus
Q: A:
14 MEDICA MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs