Explanation
After reviewing the results with Morag, her healthcare provider explains that she is considered menopausal because she is over 45 years old, her last menstrual period was 4 years ago, and she has been experiencing menopausal symptoms for the last 5 years.
Her healthcare provider goes on to explain that Morag has risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease. These risk factors include:
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Family history of cardiovascular disease
- Overweight body mass index
- Smoking
- Diet high in salt and refined carbohydrates, but low in vegetables.
Morag’s healthcare provider reviews what cardiovascular disease is. They go on to explain how menopause affects heart health and can impact the cardiovascular risk factors that Morag has. The healthcare provider stresses the importance of managing cardiovascular health and menopause symptoms to improve her overall health and quality of life.
Reassurance and Opportunity for Questions
Morag is reassured that there are treatment options that can help both her menopausal symptoms and her cardiovascular disease risk factors. Before they go on to discuss next steps, her healthcare provider answers any questions that Morag may have and ensures she understands what has been discussed so far.
Additional Information Provided
She is also provided with information and resources to take home with her about menopause as well as cardiovascular disease. By providing Morag with information about conditions that affect her own health, she is given the opportunity to educate and inform herself further with appropriate, relevant resources in her own time. This can promote and improve Morag’s confidence in understanding her body and her health.
