Discuss your personal risk factors for atherosclerosis with your doctor. Review the questions below and discuss the answers with your doctor. Once you know your level of risk for atherosclerosis, you and your doctor can discuss what steps you can take to reduce those risks.


Do you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease that could increase your risk?

Do you know your HDL and LDL cholesterol and triglyceride numbers? If so, do you know what they mean?

Do you eat a high fat diet? Do you exercise? Do you smoke? The more honest you are about your lifestyle, the more your doctor can help you.

Do you know the symptoms of atherosclerosis? Have you experienced any of them?