Ask These Questions at Your Next Cardiology Appointment

You want to take charge of your heart health, and you’ve made one of the most important steps in that direction — you’ve scheduled an appointment with Upper East Side Cardiology’s Dr. Satjit Bhusri.

While Dr. Bhusri and our team ensure a high level of care, we recognize that no two patients are alike and each has unique concerns and goals. To make sure that you get the most out of your next cardiology appointment with us, you might consider jotting down a few questions. Here are some examples to get you started.

What are my risks for cardiovascular disease?

The numbers surrounding cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the United States are staggering, starting with the fact that nearly half of adults have some form of CVD. 

As alarming, 47% of people in the US have at least one of the three big risk factors for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in our country. 

These risk factors include:

1. Hypertension (high blood pressure)
2. High cholesterol
3. Smoking

While these are generally considered to be the big three and we pay close attention to them during your visit, there are other risk factors, including:

• Unhealthy eating patterns
• Obesity or being overweight
• Diabetes
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Family history of heart disease

This last one is an important one — genetics. You can expect us to ask you about any family history of heart disease, so we urge you to come prepared with that information.

What are some of the symptoms of heart problems?

Another area that we should cover during your visit are potential signs of heart problems. Some of the more common signs of poor heart health include:

• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations
• Leg swelling
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Breathlessness

While these symptoms are more common, we want you to ask us about any changes in your health, even if you think they might not be related to your heart. For example, stomach upset can be associated with heart disease.

What tests would be beneficial?

There are many ways to evaluate your cardiovascular health, so feel free to ask us about testing and screening. From blood tests that determine your cholesterol levels to echocardiograms that measure your heart's electrical activity, we have a comprehensive toolbox for assessing your heart health.

What health issues can affect my heart?

During your visit, feel free to ask us about other health issues you’re having and whether they might affect your heart health. For example, if you’ve had COVID-19, there could be long-term repercussions for your heart. 

Or, perhaps you’re struggling with mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, which can also influence your heart health.

Do I need medications?

Thanks in large part to certain medications, the rate of heart attacks in the US is declining. While we prefer to improve your heart health through lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, exercising more, and losing weight, medications can play a valuable role.

We’re happy to work with you on whatever approach you’d prefer, and we explain any rationale we have when prescribing medications.

The time you spend with us is yours, and we don’t believe there’s any such thing as a useless question. We hope the above can get you started, and we welcome you and your list of questions at your next cardiology appointment.

If you have any questions you’d like to ask ahead of your appointment, call our New York City office on the Upper East Side at (212) 752-3464.