Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about cardiovascular examinations:

1. How often should I have a cardiovascular exam, and starting at what age?
   
   
2. What should my cardiovascular exam include?
   
   
3. Can my primary doctor perform my cardiovascular exam as part of a physical, or should I see a cardiologist?
   
   
4. What else should my physical exam cover, and how often should I have a general physical?
   
   
5. What will be your focus during my exam?
   
   
6. What can the exam tell you about my heart and blood vessels?
   
   
7. Will you be performing any blood tests or other tests?
   
   
8. Do I need to fast, bring in a list of medications or do anything else to prepare for my exam?
   
   
9. How can exams help me to prevent heart disease and other diseases?
   
   
10. What symptoms indicate the need for more frequent examinations?