Talking to Your Doctor About Your Heart & Kidney Health Screening

It's important to talk to your doctor about any abnormal test results. However, even if everything falls within a normal range, discussing your screening results with your doctor could help you improve or maintain good cardiovascular and kidney health.

Here are some questions you may consider asking during your next visit:

A1c Results

  • What does my A1c result indicate about my blood sugar control over the past few months?
  • Are there any specific lifestyle changes or medication adjustments I should consider to improve my blood sugar control?
  • How often should I monitor my blood sugar levels?

Lp(a) Results

  • What are the implications of having elevated Lp(a) levels for my cardiovascular health?
  • Are there any lifestyle modifications or medications I should consider based on my Lp(a) results?
  • Should I be screened for other cardiovascular risk factors or conditions based on my Lp(a) result?
  • Given the genetic nature of Lp(a), do you recommend close relatives (parents, siblings, children) also get tested?

eGFR Results

  • Is my eGFR within a healthy range, and how does it compare to previous results?
  • Are there any factors contributing to changes in my eGFR, such as medications or underlying health conditions?
  • What steps can I take to protect and maintain my kidney health moving forward?

Preventive Measures and Overall Health

  • What preventive measures can I take to minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease and kidney complications based on these results?
  • Are there any additional tests or screenings I should undergo to further assess my cardiovascular and kidney health?
  • Are there any specific lifestyle modifications or treatments that I should consider?
  • How can we work together to help me quit smoking (if applicable)?
  • How much physical activity do you recommend?
  • Do I need to lose weight?
  • Are there dietary resources you recommend?
  • How often should I schedule follow-up appointments to monitor my health and reevaluate these results?

CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS

Sinikka Green, MD

Dr. Green is the Medical Director and a Principal Investigator at Care Access. She is board certified in emergency medicine.

DISCLAIMER

The information provided on Care Access is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Our products and content are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.