Talking with your doctor
Do you have an appointment coming up with your primary care physician or cardiologist?
Here are some things to talk about. After all, the more you can tell your doctor about how you’re feeling, the better they’ll be able to help you.
View checklistPart 1
Symptom checklist
I am experiencing the following symptoms:
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Chest pain
Chest pain or discomfort after or during physical exertion, but may go away with rest.
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Fatigue
Exhaustion from doing typical daily activities (i.e. going to mailbox, grocery shopping, etc.)
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Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing when walking, doing routine activities (getting dressed, brushing your teeth) or while laying down.
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Swelling
Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, stomach, and veins in the neck.
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Cough
A persistent unexplained cough could be a sign that fluid is building up in your lungs as a result of heart failure.
Mention to your physician any additional symptoms you may be experiencing.
Part 2
Important questions and topics to discuss with your doctor
Questions to discuss with your doctor
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Are you on medications that are impacting your quality of life?
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Have you been told you’re too high risk for a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)?
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Have you been told you’re not eligible for heart surgery?
Topics to discuss with your doctor
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What activities do you find increasingly difficult?
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What are you not participating in your daily routine because of your limitations from your heart condition?
Unblock the road to heart recovery
We’re on a mission to shed light on heart failure and CAD symptoms, encourage patients to talk with their doctors, and help improve the quality of life of more Americans.
Heart health questionnaire
Ask yourself these questions to determine if you may be at risk for coronary artery disease or heart failure and if you should consult with your physician.
Talk with your physician
We understand it can be scary to talk to your doctor. But being open with your doctor about how your feeling can help them diagnose and treat you. After all, you may have options that could improve your heart health and unblock the road to heart recovery.
Talk with your physician
We understand it can be scary to talk to your doctor. But being open with your doctor about how your feeling can help them diagnose and treat you. After all, you may have options that could improve your heart health and unblock the road to heart recovery.