Preparing for an appointment

You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor. However, you may then be referred to a doctor trained in cardiovascular diseases (cardiologist) or a vascular surgeon.

To make the best of your appointment time, be prepared to answer the following questions:

• When did you first begin having symptoms?
• Do you have pain when you're walking or exercising, when you're at rest, or both?
• On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the worst), how would you rate the pain?
• Does anything seem to improve your symptoms, such as resting?
• Do you need to sit down to get symptom relief, or does stopping and standing in one place relieve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
• Is the pain keeping you from regular exercise or normal daily activities?
• Are you having any other symptoms?
• Have you recently started or stopped taking any medications or supplements?
• Do you have a personal history or family history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease or stroke?

What you can do

You'll also be asked about the medications you take, including over-the-counter medications and supplements. Before your appointment, write down each drug's name, dosage, reason for taking it, and the name of the prescribing doctor. Bring the list with you to your appointment.

Other strategies to help you use your appointment time well include the following:

• Bring a friend along for support, to take notes and to ask questions of clarification.
• During your appointment, ask your doctor about anything you don't understand.
• Take notes or ask for a printed document outlining next steps for scheduling tests or additional appointments.