When was the last time you had a meaningful conversation with your doctor about your heart health? Many people focus on immediate health concerns during medical visits and overlook preventative heart care, which is crucial—especially as heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide.

Whether you’re managing known risk factors or simply aiming to stay proactive, asking the right questions can make a big difference. Here’s a 12-point heart health checklist to help guide your next doctor’s appointment.

1. What is my blood pressure — and is it in a healthy range?
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a silent threat that can damage arteries over time. Ask your doctor for your exact numbers, and what they mean for your health.

2. What are my cholesterol levels?
Request a full lipid panel, which includes LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Knowing your numbers helps assess risk for blocked arteries and heart attacks.

3. What is my risk for heart disease based on my family history?
If heart disease runs in your family, your personal risk may be higher. Discuss any family history of heart attacks, strokes, or other heart issues.

4. Do I need a blood sugar test to check for diabetes or prediabetes?
Diabetes and heart disease are closely connected. Ask about fasting glucose or A1C tests to understand how well your body manages blood sugar.

5. What is my body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference?
Excess weight, especially around the waist, increases heart disease risk. Ask if your BMI and waist size are in a healthy range and what steps to take if not.

6. How much exercise should I be getting for heart health?
Talk about safe, effective ways to be active based on your health status. Most adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

7. What diet changes would benefit my heart?
Discuss ways to reduce saturated fat, salt, and added sugar while increasing fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Your doctor may recommend seeing a dietitian.

8. Should I be screened for other conditions like sleep apnea?
Conditions like sleep apnea can raise blood pressure and strain the heart. If you snore, wake up tired, or have trouble sleeping, bring this up.

9. How do stress and mental health affect my heart, and what can I do about it?
Chronic stress and depression impact heart health. Talk openly about mental health and stress management techniques.

10. What is my stroke risk and how can I reduce it?
Stroke and heart disease share many risk factors. Ask how to lower your risk, including whether medications or lifestyle changes are appropriate.

11. Are there any screenings or tests I should consider based on my age and risk?
Depending on your profile, your doctor might recommend an EKG, coronary calcium scan, or other heart-related tests.

12. What vaccinations should I have to protect my heart?
Certain vaccines, like flu and pneumonia shots, can prevent infections that might stress the heart, especially in older adults or those with chronic conditions.

Why This Checklist Matters
Being proactive about heart health can prevent severe complications down the road. Regularly discussing these 12 topics with your healthcare provider helps catch risks early and develop a plan to stay heart-healthy for life.

Sources:

  1. American Heart Association. (2023). Heart Health Tests. https://www.heart.org
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Heart Disease Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease
  3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). (2023). How to Prevent Heart Disease. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
  4. Mayo Clinic. (2022). Heart Disease Prevention: Strategies to Keep Your Heart Healthy. https://www.mayoclinic.org