Questions to Ask

It’s important to prepare for your health visits to make sure any questions you have are answered. Remember to mention any changes in how you feel – especially any chest pain, shortness of breath, or concerns about the medications you are taking.

It may help to write down a list of questions ahead of time. Some helpful ones might include:

• What type of FH do I have?
• How much damage has already been done to my heart/blood vessels? How likely am I to have a heart attack or stroke?
• Can we review the medications I am taking to help lower my cholesterol and how each one works? Will I be taking these medications for the rest of my life?
• How can I best manage side effects?
• Are there other health conditions that can also raise my cholesterol?
• I’ve heard there is a therapy that removes LDL cholesterol from the blood. How does it work? Is it safe?
• How often should I have my cholesterol checked?
• What is lipoprotein(a) and how does that factor in?
• Are there other tests I will need?
• Should I see a genetic counselor? If so, who would you recommend?
• At what point should I talk with my kids about FH or get them tested?
• How is FH treated in children?
• If I have FH and want to get pregnant, do my medications need to be adjusted or stopped?