Track Your Health Test Results

Page: 1 2 3 (of 3)	Next

Checkup Checklist

If asked to recall your health history, you might be able to relay basic information about past surgeries or the name of a new medication. But do you know the vital numbers that reflect your past and present health status? Use our free checklist to keep track of your most important heart-health information.

By Abby Bockholt, PharmD, MBA, BCPS
Reviewed by Sharonne N. Hayes, M.D., FACC, 2009

RELATED STORIES Benefits of Doctor Checkups Free Heart Numbers Tracking Chart More on Flu Shots

For many adults, the numbers recorded in their medical chart stay there, simply as a part of the medical record. But these results are important to track and understand so that you and your doctor are better equipped to fight cardiovascular disease.

Regular tests and checkups are the first step to improving heart health. By realizing that you are at increased risk for a stroke if you have high blood pressure, or that your risk of having a heart attack increases with abnormal blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides), you can begin to take charge of your own health and work with your doctor to decrease your risk factors.

"Involved patients are key to building a proper patient-physician relationship," says Scott Mikesell, D.O., cardiology fellow at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. "By knowing the patient's personal history, any recent lipid panel results, or by bringing at-home blood pressure readings to the visit, the patient can aid the physician in getting to know them and their needs."

Continue in this story to get a free doctor checkup guide and test results tracker.