Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions related to anemia and the heart:

1. Why do you suspect I have anemia?
   
   
2. What do you think is causing my anemia?
   
   
3. What tests will be used to diagnose my condition?
   
   
4. Has anemia affected my heart in any way?
   
   
5. What are my heart risks from my anemia?
   
   
6. When and from whom will I receive the results of my blood tests?
   
   
7. What is my red blood cell count? How low is my hemoglobin and hematocrit?
   
   
8. Is my anemia temporary or due to a chronic condition?
   
   
9. Could I be anemic as a result of any of the medications I am taking?
   
   
10. Could my anemia be the result of a larger medical condition?
    
    
11. Are there any lifestyle changes I could make to improve my anemia?
    
    
12. Should I be taking iron or any other supplements?
    
    
13. Will any medications improve my anemia?
    
    
14. How will my anemia be monitored in the future?
    
    
15. Could anemia interfere with my pregnancy in any way?
    
    
16. If my anemia is from a genetic condition, will my children have it also?