Cardiologist Questions

DOCTORS

Questions for Your Cardiologist

A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in finding, treating and preventing issues in the cardiovascular system, including the heart, arteries and veins.

Your primary care or other doctor may refer you to a cardiologist if they suspect you have problems such as congenital heart defects, heart rhythm problems, heart blockages or heart failure.

“Your primary care physician is the gatekeeper to your care,” said Dr. Tarak Rambhatla at Baptist Health of South Florida’s Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute. “Many times, primary care doctors send their patients to me because they see a risk or their patient is having symptoms. As a cardiologist, I work with your primary doctor and communicate back to him or her about what any tests uncover and any treatments we recommend.” Cardiologists undergo rigorous training, including four years of premedical education at a college or university, the University of Rochester says. This includes four years of medical school and three years of training in an internal medicine residency program. Then, they have three or more years in a fellowship program.

PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

It is recommended to get copies of your medical records and test results. Having them on a CD is best for doctors to review along with written reports. You also want to note down your symptoms, when they occur and what makes them worse or better. Bring a list of your medications, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements.

TESTING

Your cardiologist may order some testing to get a better idea of your overall health. This can include blood work, electrocardiograms, lifestyle risk assessments and a coronary calcium score. ASK THESE QUESTIONS

The University of Iowa suggest these 10 questions for your cardiologist. It suggests writing the questions down to get your concerns addressed.

1. How does my family history affect my heart health?

2. Is my blood pressure reading normal?

3. What is my cholesterol level and how does this affect my heart?

4. Am I experiencing a heart symptom due to my age, gender or weight?

5. Are my symptoms indicating a heart attack?

6. Are my eating habits causing my heart symptoms?

7. Are my exercise habits causing my symptoms?

8. Is my level of stress or anxiety increasing my risk of heart complications?

9. What are my treatment options for the heart symptoms I’m having?

10. What should I do if my symptoms persist?

Working After 65

While many of us hope that we’re laid back in a hammock on a sunny beach by the time we’re 65, the reality for many people is that they’re going to keep working far beyond full retirement age.

Here’s a look at the financial and practical considerations involved.

RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY

Social Security, the federal government’s retirement safety net, usually kicks in at 65. However, you can work and still receive benefits. If you’re full retirement age — 65 — your earnings do not reduce your Social Security benefit. The Social Security Administration offers a calculator so that you can see how any earnings may affect your potential benefit.

WORKING AND MEDICARE

Generally, Medicare says, if you have jobbased health insurance for you or your spouse and you’re over 65, you don’t have to sign up for Medicare unless you lose that

coverage, either through retirement of by some other means. If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, you may have to sign up for Medicare when you turn 65 regardless so you won’t have gaps in your coverage. Check with your employer to see.

Medicare will work with your existing insurance if you are over 65. Which plan pays first — Medicare or your job-based insurance — depends on how many employees the company has. Remember, Medicare has different plans, or parts, depending on your needs. Medicare Part A is hospital insurance and covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice and some home health care. Part B covers medical services like doctors, outpatient care and some preventive services. Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage is a plan that provides coverage through a private-sector health insurer. Part D is prescription drug coverage. You may not need to sign up for all the parts of Medicare.

AGE DISCRIMINATION

As you age, you may be more concerned about being discriminated against because of your age. The federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act forbids age discrimination against people who are 40 or older. It prohibits discrimination in any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoffs, training, benefits and any other term or condition of employment. It also covers harassing a person because of their age, such as making offensive or derogatory remarks about a person’s age. Teasing isn’t covered, but frequent comments that create a hostile or offensive work environment is.