Tips for Getting Information
Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your doctor:
- Bring someone with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask. They may also be able to give more details.
- Write down your questions so do you do not forget them.
- Write down the answers you get and make sure you understand what you are hearing.
- Ask for help if you need it. Do not be afraid to ask questions or ask where you can find more information. You have a right to know.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
About Metabolic Syndrome
- What is metabolic syndrome?
- Am I at risk of developing metabolic syndrome?
- What should I do to avoid developing metabolic syndrome?
- Are there any medicines to prevent or to treat metabolic syndrome?
- What are the complications of metabolic syndrome?
- What are the risk factors of metabolic syndrome?
- Are my children at risk of metabolic syndrome? How is the diagnosis made?
About Obesity and Weight Loss
- What is my weight? Am I considered overweight or obese?
- What should my target weight be?
- What is my waist size? Can it affect my health?
- What are the health risks linked with being overweight?
- How can I lose weight?
- Are there any weight loss programs you would recommend?
- Are there any medicines I can take that would help me lose weight?
- Are there any support groups you could recommend to help me lose weight?
- Are there other medical conditions that could cause excess weight? Should I see a specialist to rule out other causes?
- What if I cannot lose all the weight I need to lose?
About Heart Disease
- What is heart disease?
- How will having heart disease affect me?
- Can this condition be reversed? Or will it affect me for the rest of my life?
- Are there any limits on my activities if I have heart disease?
- How can I tell if the disease worsens?
- Can medicines improve my condition?
- What lifestyle changes should I make?
- What are the warning signs for heart disease?
About Diabetes
- What is diabetes?
- How will having diabetes affect me? Why is it important for me to control it?
- Will I have diabetes forever?
- Will I need to take insulin? Will I have to give myself shots?
- How often do I need to test my blood for sugar levels?
- Are there any medicines I can take to treat or prevent diabetes?
- What are the side effects of these medicines?
- What are the warning signs for diabetes?
- What is prediabetes?
About Blood Pressure
- What is my blood pressure?
- What is an optimal blood pressure for me?
- What is white coat hypertension?
- What is high blood pressure?
- How will having high blood pressure affect me?
- What can I do to lower my blood pressure?
- Are there any medicines I can take to lower my blood pressure?
- What are the side effects of these medicines?
- How often should I have my blood pressure checked?
- How does the salt in my diet affect my blood pressure?
About Cholesterol
- What is my cholesterol profile?
- Can you explain what the numbers from my cholesterol profile mean?
- What are the risks of unhealthy levels of cholesterol?
- How can I lower my cholesterol?
- Can medicines lower my cholesterol?
- What are the side effects of these medicines?
- Will I have to take these medicines for the rest of my life?
- What else can I do to lower my cholesterol?
- How often should I have my cholesterol checked?
About Stroke Prevention
- What is a stroke?
- Am I at risk for having a stroke?
- What are the warning signs for stroke?
About Lifestyle Changes
Alcohol
- How much should I drink?
- Does it matter if I drink beer or hard liquor?
- Is red wine good for me? If so, how much could I drink a week?
Smoking
- How can I quit?
- Do I have to quit cold turkey?
- Are there any programs you would recommend?
- Are there any medicines I could take to help me quit smoking?
- How long do the effects of my cigarette smoking affect my body after I quit?
- Would cutting back on smoking (but not quitting) help?
- Will I gain weight if I stop smoking?
Physical Activity
- Is it safe for me to exercise?
- How often should I exercise? How long do you recommend I exercise?
- Is there any type of exercise you would recommend for me?
- Are there any types of physical activity that I should avoid?
- Should I work with a physical trainer?
Healthy Eating Habits
- Do you have information about improving my eating habits?
- What type of foods should I avoid?
- What type of foods should I try to eat more often?
- Do you advise that I meet with a dietician to improve my diet?
- Do you have any suggestions for how to cook my food?
- How do I read food labels?
- Should I avoid soda?
References
Doctor appointments: working with your doctor. American Heart Association website. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/doctor-appointments-questions-to-ask-your-doctor. Accessed April 8, 2022.
Getting the most out of your doctor appointment. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor. Accessed April 8, 2022.
Metabolic syndrome in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/metabolic-syndrome-in-adults. Accessed April 8, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD
- Update Date: 04/08/2022