Most of us have a tendency to forget a few important questions we wanted to ask our health care professionals during office visits. Below are some lists of questions related to heart health that you might find helpful to look over and maybe even print out to take with you to your next appointment:

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

1. Do I have atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)? What tests can you order to find out?

2. How does high cholesterol put me at risk for atherosclerosis? Is my blood cholesterol level too high?

3. What can I do without medication to improve my health and lower my risk for atherosclerosis?

4. What medications can help lower my risk for atherosclerosis? What are they called and what do these medications do?

5. What are the side effects of the medications you're recommending? Will they interact with any other medications that I am taking?

6. What are the warning signs of a heart attack? What should I do if I think I'm having a heart attack?

7. How does atherosclerosis affect my risk for a heart attack, angina or other heart problems? How often should I see you to have my arteries, cholesterol level, blood pressure and heart checked?

8. Can I still exercise? Will it do any harm to my arteries or my heart? What kind is best for me and how often should I exercise?

9. What are angioplasty, atherectomy and endarterectomy? Are these appropriate options for me?

10. What are statins? Do you recommend them for me? Are they safe?

11. What is bypass surgery? Can it help me?

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Create Date: 2/9/05 Date Last Updated: 2/9/05