Tip Tuesday: Speak from your heart – at your next doctor visit

By Michael W. Rosen, M.D.


One simple question may hold a key to a longer, healthier life: "Can we talk about my heart health?" 

If you've never asked this at a doctor visit, plan to do so soon. Heart disease is the nation's leading cause of death. But, it's also highly preventable — and the sooner you start taking care of your heart, the better. 

Get personal
A conversation with your doctor can help you learn more about your risk of heart disease. These points are all worth discussing: 

Your family tree. Heart disease risk goes up if:

• Your father or brother was diagnosed with it before age 55
• Your mother or sister was diagnosed with it before age 65

Your daily habits. Some lifestyle choices affect your risk. Be honest about:

• Whether you smoke or have in the past
• How much exercise you get
• Your eating and drinking habits and stress levels

Your numbers. Your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar all factor into your heart health. With formulas available today, your doctor can use these numbers — and other factors — to determine your risk of a heart attack or heart disease. 

Move forward with heart!
Once you've learned more about where you stand personally, don't stop there. Let your doctor know that you'd like to work together on a plan for your heart health. For example, you might discuss the best steps you can take to:

• Get more regular exercise
• Lose weight
• Quit smoking
• Follow a heart-healthy diet
• Manage stress

In addition to these steps, some people may need medication to lower their cholesterol, blood pressure or blood sugar. 

Bonus points
Finally, consider this: The healthy changes you make to prevent heart disease can protect your health in other ways, too. For example, they can help reduce your risk of a stroke, diabetes and some cancers. 

What's your risk?
Click Here to discover more information and resources at myuhc.com