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

1. How can I tell if I have too much stress?
   
   
2. What are some of the likely causes of my stress?
   
   
3. Can stress management help me cope with a heart condition?
   
   
4. Can it help prevent illness?
   
   
5. Am I physically fit for stress management techniques such as exercise?
   
   
6. Do you recommend cardiac support groups or counseling?
   
   
7. What are some signs that I might be a candidate for professional counseling?
   
   
8. Are there any medications that might be able to reduce my stress level?
   
   
9. Are there any lifestyle changes I can make that might help my stress levels to improve?
   
   
10. How can I identify the parts of my life that are causing the greatest levels of stress?
    
    
11. Could my pregnancy be causing greater than normal stress?