Talk to Your Doctor

It is important to know how to talk to your doctor about heart health. If you’re of South Asian descent, take information provided on this page to your next doctor’s visit, ask questions, and discuss how best to take care of you and your family's health.

Print this page out and take it with you to your next doctor’s appointment.
OR Download and print a free version of the Check Your Risk Form* to take to your next physical examination. Use it to discuss your risk of heart disease with your physician.
You need Adobe Acrobat to view the Check Your Risk Form.
*Need help downloading a .pdf file?

Be prepared and make a list of:

Questions
Concerns or symptoms
Medications, including over-the-counter (non-prescription) drugs
Past illnesses, surgeries, and treatments (including mental health treatment)

Health indicators for South Asians

The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) have developed the following recommendations to help assess risk for people that are from South Asian backgrounds.

Non HDL-C less than 130 mg/dl (Non HDL-C = Total cholesterol - HDL)
Bad cholesterol (LDL-C) less than 100 mg/dl
Good cholesterol (HDL-C) more than 40 mg/dl for males and more than 50 mg/dl for females
For a person with diabetes or coronary artery disease:
- Non-HDL-C less than 100 mg/dl
- LDL-C less than 70 mg/dlb
If a person has diabetes:
- HbA1c less than 6.5
Waist circumference:
- Less than 35 inches for men
- Less than 31 inches for women
Quit smoking

Tell your doctor:

If you have ever had high blood pressure, diabetes (high blood sugar), or high cholesterol.
If anyone in your family has had a heart attack or stroke.
Symptoms you are having, when they began, how often they happen, and whether they are getting better, worse, or staying the same. It helps to keep a diary of your symptoms to share with your doctor.
Information on your lifestyle, such as whether and how much you smoke and drink alcohol. Also, share the kinds of food you eat.
The truth. Your doctor needs to have the correct information in order to help you.

Remember, you are working to improve your health—that's something to be proud of and your doctor will be glad to work with you.

Take notes, bring a tape recorder, or ask a friend or family member to come with you.

This will help you remember what your doctor tells you.

Speak up

Let your doctor know if she or he has not answered your question or addressed your concern.
Tell your doctor if a treatment is not working or if you are having side effects.
Work with your doctor to help you find better options that work for you.

Ask questions

Your doctor may order tests or suggest lifestyle changes or treatments. Make sure you understand your condition(s) and any tests ordered or treatments prescribed.
Ask your doctor to explain if she or he says something that you do not understand.
There are no "stupid" questions—every question you have is important when it comes to your health.
Some questions you can ask:
- What are the signs of heart disease?
- How can I tell if I'm having a heart attack?
- What is my risk for heart disease?
- What can I do to lower my risk?
- What are my cholesterol and triglycerides levels and what should they be?
- What is my blood pressure and what should it be?
- What is my blood sugar level? Am I at risk for diabetes?
- Do I need screening tests for heart disease? If so, what tests? How do I get the results?
- What is a healthy weight for me?
- What should I eat to keep my heart healthy?
- What activity level is right for me?
- How can you help me quit smoking?
- Do I need to come back and see you?
If medication is prescribed, ask the following questions:
- Why was it prescribed?
- When do I take it?
- How much do I take?
- Should I avoid any medications, food, or activities while taking it?
- What are the side effects?
- Is there a generic version of this medication? If so, should I get the brand name or the generic?

(Adapted from Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services and AAPI)

What to do if you have high LDL, low HDL, high triglycerides, or high blood pressure?

Please click here for our guide on increasing your HDL, lowering your LDL, triglycerides, or blood pressure.