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Total Health

Questions for Your Cardiologist

Also called: Medical Question, Health Question

Reviewed By:
Abdou Elhendy, MD, PhD, FACC, FAHA
 Robert I. Hamby, M.D., FACC, FACP

Making a list

It is very common for people to leave their doctor’s office with unanswered questions. They may have forgotten a question or felt uncomfortable bringing something up. Because of this very common situation, you might want to prepare as much as possible before you go to your cardiologist's office. This article suggests some questions that you might want to print out and bring with you to your appointment. If you do not feel comfortable asking some of these questions, you can just hand the list to your cardiologist to be sure they are all addressed. When visiting a physician for the first time you should also prepare your family medical history in advance.

First visit

  • Why was I referred to a cardiologist?

  • Are my signs/symptoms serious?

  • What can I expect from this visit?

  • Will this visit be covered by my insurance company?

  • Are there heart-healthy strategies that I can be using?

  • When should I schedule my next appointment?

Before a test

  • Why is this test being performed?

  • Are there any risks associated with the test?

  • Will this test be painful? Will an anesthetic be provided?

  • Are there any less invasive tests that could provide the same information?

  • What will happen during the test?

  • How long will the test take?

  • Should I bring someone with me for the test? Will I need someone to drive me home?

  • Should I do anything differently before the test (e.g., change in eating/drinking or medications)?

  • What might the test find?

  • Depending on what the test finds, what will happen afterward?

  • Will my insurance company cover this test?

  • When should I schedule my next appointment?

Test results/diagnosis

  • What did the test show?

  • What were my exact numbers or values, and what is the normal range for other people my age?

  • What do the terms on this printed report mean (e.g., “nonspecific T-wave abnormality” on an EKG, or CBC on blood test results)?

  • Do I have a diagnosis, or is more testing necessary?

  • If more testing is necessary, which tests are needed and why?

  • If a diagnosis has been given, what is the diagnosis, its cause, its symptoms and possible treatments (including experimental treatments)?

  • Could my condition have been prevented?

  • Will my condition get worse?

  • Does my condition run in families? Should any of my family members be tested for this condition?

  • When should I schedule my next appointment?

Before a procedure

  • Why is this procedure being recommended?

  • Are there any risks associated with this procedure?

  • Are there any less invasive procedures that could accomplish the same thing?

  • How is the procedure performed?

  • Will this procedure be painful? Will an anesthetic be provided?

  • How long will the procedure take?

  • Should I bring someone with me for the procedure? Will I need someone to drive me home?

  • Should I do anything differently before the procedure (e.g., change in eating/drinking or medications)?

  • Will further treatment be necessary after this procedure?

  • Will I need to be admitted to the hospital and, if so, for how long?

  • How soon can I go back to work after this procedure?

  • How soon can I have sex after this procedure?

  • How soon can I lift heavy objects after this procedure?

  • How soon can I drive, cook and perform regular chores after this procedure?

  • Will I need to enroll in a cardiac rehabilitation program after this procedure? Where do I find one?

  • Will this procedure be covered by my insurance company?

  • When should I schedule my next appointment?

Procedure results/treatment plan

  • Did the procedure successfully accomplish what was intended?

  • Did anything unexpected happen or show up during the procedure?

  • Will I ever need to have that procedure performed again?

  • How soon can I return to activities such as work, having sex, lifting heavy objects and regular chores?

  • What can I expect regarding pain and other possible effects of this procedure?

  • Are there any signs (e.g., redness) that I might notice that I should call you about?

  • Please review with me any new medications that I will be taking following this procedure, how to take them, how I can expect to feel on them, potential side effects and what I should do if I experience a side effect (e.g., make an appointment, call you immediately, call 9-1-1 and so forth).

  • When should I schedule my next appointment?

Follow-up appointments

  • How is my overall health (e.g., cholesterol levels, weight, EKG/echo results, blood test results, and so forth)?

  • I have noticed some new symptoms – should I be worried about them?

  • I have noticed some side effects from my medication(s) – what do you recommend?

  • Are there any signs that I might notice that I should call you about?

  • Will my insurance company cover this visit?

  • When should I schedule my next appointment?
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