Ensuring you have a happy and healthy heart promotes the essential support the rest of your body's needs, but sometimes, your body needs extra help. At Gilbert Cardiology in Gilbert, AZ, Dr. Zaki Lababidi and Dr. Khaled Albasha encourage you to consider asking the necessary questions when visiting your cardiologist.
A Brief Understanding Of What Cardiologists Do
As any medical specialist, cardiologists receive extensive training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the heart and its blood vessels. Cardiologists analyze your family medical history and utilize it when examining your body and its function (e.g. checking your heart, blood vessels, lungs, blood pressure, and weight).
What To Ask Your Cardiologist
Sometimes you can't detect issues in your body as they arise, but it's critical to acknowledge even the slightest warning. Our team of specialists at Gilbert Cardiology recommend asking these 5 questions when visiting with your cardiologist:
#1: What is my future risks of having cardiovascular complications?
Your family medical history and lifestyle impact your risk factors a great deal (i.e. having heart disease, a stroke or aneurysm, being diabetic, your cholesterol, etc.) Cardiologists consider these concerns to best determine your 10-year risk of heart disease—it's important to note that what is determined is not always accurate.
#2: Are there any symptoms that indicate my condition is worsening?
Heart disease cannot be easily generalized, and it's not as straightforward as one symptom being the tell-tale. Your condition may vary even from family members, so it's important that your cardiologist provides a comprehensive discussion with you and what precise symptoms may signal potential harm.
#3: Why are you suggesting I receive this test or take this medication?
Though most tests offer insight into your condition, there may be certain types that aren't needed or will help improve your treatment. Your Gilbert, AZ, cardiologist should be able to provide the reason for the test and its accuracy for your condition. You are working together to improve your condition and treatment, so transparency is pivotal to reaching your goals.
The same goes for prescribed medications—as your doctor has the knowledge of the benefits proven through scientific research, which isn't always accessible or prominent in online public discourse.
#4: Have you brought in any new treatments or procedures that we should consider?
Not every test or treatment that is new to the medical industry needs to be implemented at your cardiology practice. Alternatively, you want to make sure they are keeping up-to-date with technology and practices so that you are sure you are receiving the best possible care.
#5: How can I best support my heart health moving forward?
Creating a personalized treatment plan with your cardiologist should provide you with a sense of clarity and reassurance that you're on the same page.
Dr. Zaki Lababidi and Dr. Khaled Albasha with Gilbert Cardiology in Gilbert, AZ, are happy to answer these 5 questions and more. To schedule an appointment with us, give our office a call at (480) 786-9100.