• Identifying the Cause of Your Symptoms

     
     
     
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    During your visit with your physician, he or she will try to determine what may be causing your symptoms. Based on the findings, your doctor will determine how to proceed. He or she may:

    • Refer you to a cardiologist (a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing and treating heart conditions) or to another specialist (if your symptoms are in your feet and legs, for example) for further tests and treatment.
    During the visit with your family doctor, you will be asked to describe your symptoms in detail, including how you are affected, how long you have noticed the symptoms, how often they occur and under what conditions. For example, do you notice symptoms when you are lifting a bag of groceries, working out at the gym, walking or just sitting quietly?

    Your doctor will perform an examination to learn more about your health. He or she will check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, your weight and ask about your lifestyle:

    • Do you smoke now or have you used tobacco products in the past?
    • Do you live a high-stress lifestyle and how do you manage stress?

    In addition, you will be asked about your medical history, including your family’s health history. You may be asked:

    Based on what your doctor learns during your visit and from your blood tests, he or she will determine how to proceed. He or she may:

    • Recommend medical, or drug, therapy and changes in your lifestyle to help control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, maintain a healthy weight and manage blood sugar levels; or