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Prepare Your Visit

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

A list of questions you can prepare before consulting a cardiologist, organized by situation: general checkups, after an initial diagnosis, before a procedure, and after a procedure.

Guide contents

For a General Heart Checkup

For new patients or general health checkups. Questions about your health condition, followed by questions about lifestyle and prevention.

  • Do I have any risk factors for heart disease?

    For example a family history or high cholesterol

  • How do my blood pressure and cholesterol results compare with the ideal numbers?

  • Are the symptoms I am experiencing related to a heart problem?

    Name your symptoms, for example chest pain or tiring easily

  • Which changes to my diet or exercise would have the greatest impact on my heart?

  • Do I need any special supplements or vitamins?

  • How can I monitor my heart health at home?

After an Initial Diagnosis

For example if you have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, or heart failure. Questions to understand your condition, followed by questions about how it is managed and treated.

  • What does my diagnosis mean in everyday language?

    Say the name of the disease

  • What is the main cause of my condition? Can it be cured?

  • How will this disease affect my daily activities?

  • What treatment options are available? Which one is most recommended for me?

  • What medication side effects should I watch for?

  • Are there any non-drug therapies I can take part in?

    For example cardiac rehabilitation

Before a Medical Procedure

For example before stent placement, bypass surgery, or ablation. Questions about the procedure and preparation, followed by questions about risks and recovery.

  • Why do I need this procedure? What are the alternatives?

  • What are the steps of the procedure? Will I be awake during the operation?

  • What should I prepare before the day of the procedure?

    For example fasting or stopping certain medications

  • What complications could occur? How can they be prevented?

  • How long is the recovery time? When can I return to work or exercise?

  • Are there any emergency signs after surgery that I should report right away?

After a Procedure or During Outpatient Care

Questions about monitoring your condition, followed by questions about long-term support.

  • How often do I need follow-up visits?

  • What changes in my symptoms should I report right away?

  • Does my medication dose need to be adjusted?

  • Is there a support group for patients like me?

  • How can I cope with stress or anxiety related to my heart condition?

Next steps

Ready to Consult a Cardiologist?

Bring your list of questions to your visit.

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