Preparing for your Heart Failure Appointment

Being prepared for your heart failure appointment can go a long way in helping you to understand and feel more comfortable about issues regarding heart failure.

The following includes a list of things that you should do in preparation for your heart failure appointment:

• Be aware of any requirements for your appointment. Some appointments may require a restriction in your diet leading up to it, so be sure to ask when you make your appointment.
• Write down the current symptoms that you are experiencing. This may include any symptoms that appear to be unrelated to heart failure.
• Write down key personal information. This includes a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke or diabetes
• Prepare a list of all the medications that you are currently taking
• Prepare a set of questions to ask your doctor
• Bring a family member or friend to the appointment with you. This can significantly help when it comes to remembering all of the information that is presented to you during the appointment.

Please click on the link below to help you to record important changes in your medical condition that you should report during your HF clinic visits. This information will help your doctors and nurses to better manage your care.
Medical and Medication History

The following is a list of recommended questions to ask your doctor:

• What is likely causing my symptoms or condition? Is the heart failure mild/moderate/severe?
• What should I expect in the next few months? How is my condition likely to progress and what does this mean for me?
• How is my heart failure going to affect my daily life? Will I be able to continue carrying out the activities that I have in the past?
• What can I do to manage my heart failure? What foods should I eat or avoid? What’s an appropriate level of physical activity?
• What are some recommended strategies for ensuring that I stay motivated to make the necessary lifestyle changes?
• A certain medication seems to be causing negative side effects (identify the medication). What are my options to avoid these side effects?
• What if my health insurance plan doesn’t cover the treatment or medication you’re recommending? Are there any generic alternatives to the medicine that you are prescribing to me?
• How often should I be screened for changes in my condition?
• If my symptoms get worse, what is the best way to contact you?