Whether you’re seeing a cardiologist for the first time or considering a change, ask yourself the following questions about your physician.

1. Does the doctor respect my time? Of course, at some point any doctor may have to deal with an emergency that keeps you waiting. But that shouldn’t be the norm. If patients regularly have to wait for an hour or more past their appointment times, that’s not a sign of respect.

2. Do you have the doctor’s full attention during your appointment? Visitation times with doctors are getting shorter. During the time you have, you should be the focus of the doctor’s attention — which means no phone calls or staff interruptions. (This courtesy should be reciprocal; it isn’t the right time for patients to accept phone calls or texts either.)

3. Does the doctor communicate well? Communication with your doctor is an essential part of staying healthy. You should never be made to feel stupid by asking a question. You should feel comfortable, and your doctor should give you answers in clear language that you understand.

4. Does the doctor inspire trust? The foundation of a good doctor-patient relationship is trust. To beat heart disease, you have to change your lifestyle. This may mean giving up foods or habits you have come to rely on as part of your daily life. This “leap of faith” is far easier if your doctor inspires you and is someone you trust.