The first step you should take in becoming an active member of your health care team is to understand what you are being treated for and why. Continue to ask questions until you understand the answer.
It is important for you to understand your coronary heart disease, your risk factors for heart disease, the special diet you are on, medicines you may be taking, and the tests needed to follow your progress. Ask about the benefits of medications as well as possible side effects. If you are aware of possible side effects of a treatment, you will be able to manage them better.
By paying attention to your health and maintaining your own records, you will become an active decision maker in your health care.
In addition to your doctor, other health professionals can help you control your blood cholesterol levels. These persons include:
- Registered nurses (RNs) can explain your treatment plan to you, show you how to take your medication, and help you find other sources of information and help. As the health care provider you see the most, nurses are a key resource when you are lowering your cholesterol.
- Registered dietitians (RDs) or qualified nutritionists can explain food plans, show you how to make changes in what you eat, and give you advice on shopping for and preparing foods and eating out. They also can help you set goals for changing the way you eat, so you can successfully lower your high blood cholesterol without making big changes all at once in your eating habits or in your lifestyle. Call the National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics of the American Dietetic Association at 1-800-366-1655 for a referral to a registered dietitian (RD) near you.
- Lipid specialists are doctors who are experts in treating high blood cholesterol and similar conditions. You may be referred to a lipid specialist if the treatment your doctor is prescribing does not successfully lower your blood cholesterol levels.
- Pharmacists are aware of the best ways to take medicines to lessen side effects and of the latest research on drugs. They can help you stay on your drug treatment program.
Many people need help while making changes in life habits to reduce their risk; do not be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, and your health care team. Involve your spouse, family members, or significant others in your treatment plan. By sharing your problem and the importance of cholesterol-lowering goals (LDL less than 100 mg/dL), your current treatment plan, and your medication schedule, you can get the help you need to succeed in controlling your cholesterol and lowering your risk.
