Talking, tools make for better medical decisions

When options exist, your preferences can help you and your doctor pick the treatment that's right for you.

The daily decisions about what to do for your heart "" Should I take the stairs or the elevator? Ice cream or fruit? "" don't require much thought or conversation. The big ones, though, do: Should I have an angiogram? What's the best kind of replacement heart valve for me? Do I need surgery, a less invasive procedure, or none at all?

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