Working well with your healthcare team

A good relationship with your GP and your specialist can make a big difference to the success of your treatment and to your general wellbeing. If you can talk honestly and openly, your doctor will be better able to prescribe a programme of treatment and care that's best for you.

An important part of this is knowing what you need to tell your doctor or specialist, and also being clear about the questions you should ask.

Important information to tell your healthcare team

When you're going to see your GP or specialist - whether it's for the first time with concerns about your cholesterol and other risk factors for heart disease, or for a follow-up appointment - it will help if you are prepared. Try to think about what you want to say, and how your symptoms have been affecting you recently.

Here are some things you may want to think about:

Do you have any symptoms? Don't forget to mention other symptoms that you think are commonplace, such a headaches and problems sleeping. For some people these symptoms could indicate an underlying health problem.
If you've had a blood test for your cholesterol, what were the results?
Do you have a family history of heart disease or early heart attack or stroke?
Have you yourself ever had a heart attack or stroke?
How much exercise do you do?
How healthy is your diet?
Do you smoke?

If you have already been diagnosed with high cholesterol you might want to think about how you've been getting on with your cholesterol-lowering medication and whether you've had any side effects.

Questions you might want to ask

Often, the time you spend with your healthcare professional is limited. It may be a good idea to think about the questions you would like to ask them before your appointment and write them down. Take these along with you to your appointment.

It is important that you can leave your appointment feeling satisfied that you were able to ask and have answered all of the questions appropriate to that healthcare professional. Knowing what you want to find out before you go in can help achieve this.

Here are some suggestions:

What are my cholesterol numbers?
What are my risk factors for heart disease?
What do my risk factors and cholesterol numbers or levels mean for treating my high cholesterol?
What are the risks of not treating high cholesterol?
Are there any warning symptoms - anything I would feel - that would let me know my cholesterol levels are putting me at risk for a heart attack or stroke in the near future?
How long will it take to get my number within the recommended target levels?
Why have you chosen this particular treatment for my cholesterol?
How is this treatment taken?
How long is it taken for?
Can I use other medicines while I am taking this treatment?What will happen if I stop using this treatment?
What are the potential side effects of the treatment?
Can I take this medication if I am trying to get pregnant or father a child?
What else can be done to lower cholesterol levels - what further lifestyle changes should I be making?
Who can I speak to if I have any questions after this visit?
Where can I get more information from? Are there any helpful websites or patient groups?

If you have familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH)

What are the chances of my children having FH?
Will they need treatment as well?
When should I get them tested?
Is there any genetic counselling available for my family?
How often should I and my family have follow-up appointments?
Where can I go to for help? Are there any support groups for FH?

It's important not to think you are wasting your doctor's time. Your health is important, so if you do feel that you need more time with the doctor you could always ask whether a double appointment is available.

And if you are not sure about your diagnosis and/or the treatment prescribed and think a second opinion might help, don't be worried about asking for one. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a specialist or another GP in the practice. A second opinion can help ensure that your treatment and care are successful.

Role of the pharmacist

If you and your doctor decide you need some medications to lower your cholesterol, you may find that the healthcare professional you have the most contact with is your local pharmacist.

It's good to remember that your pharmacist is more than just someone who sells you your medication. A pharmacist is an expert on how medicines work and interact, and can advise you about any safety concerns - especially important if you're taking more than one medicine at the same time.

As part of the service to make sure your medicines are right for you and that you're getting the best from them, your pharmacist can offer you a free Medicines Use Review (MUR). Find out more about the Medicines Use Review PDF.

Navigate the NHS

Understanding how the NHS works - and what NHS services are available in your area - can help you to get the most out of your interactions with healthcare professionals. This will enable you to manage your high cholesterol better and live your life in the best possible health.

See our guide to finding your way around the NHS (PDF)

Health tips