“What questions should I ask my cardiologist during my first visit?”
I got referred to a cardiologist after my primary doctor noticed that my blood pressure is on the higher side (and it's been like that during both of my appointments). I'm pretty nervous, but I want to get as much information as possible. Are there any questions that I should bring up to my cardiologist during this appointment?
2 Answers
First you need to relax and arrive at the appointment early as rushing and stress puts the BP up. Ask if there is any cause for the high BP, does it need treatment, what about weight loss, meditation, supplements - magnesium and fish oils, and if you are going to be on treatment long-term.
Regards,
Gerald Lewis, MD
Regards,
Gerald Lewis, MD
-Ask what your goal BP is supposed to be.
-Ask about BP recording at home by yourself.
-Ask about 24-hr ambulatory BP monitoring. If BP is high only in circumstances such as at doctors office, you may not need medications. But 24-hr ambulatory check will help diagnose that.
-Ask about diet, salt intake, and exercise lifestyle.
-If any medications are required, go over side effects. Any lab tests required, too.
-Ask about BP recording at home by yourself.
-Ask about 24-hr ambulatory BP monitoring. If BP is high only in circumstances such as at doctors office, you may not need medications. But 24-hr ambulatory check will help diagnose that.
-Ask about diet, salt intake, and exercise lifestyle.
-If any medications are required, go over side effects. Any lab tests required, too.
