Questions to ask your heart team (printable)

A printable list of questions to bring to heart appointments, grouped by visit: diagnosis, tests, medicines, procedures, cardiac rehab, lifestyle and follow-up.

5 min read · last reviewed September 28, 2026

Key points

Write your questions down before each visit, and put the most important ones first.
Bring a friend or family member to listen and take notes.
Bring an up-to-date list of all your medicines, including vitamins and herbal products.
It's okay to ask the team to explain again, or to use simpler words.
Before you leave, make sure you know what happens next and who to call.

Heart appointments can feel rushed, and it's easy to forget what you wanted to ask. A written list helps. Print this page, circle or tick the questions that matter to you, and bring it to your next visit. You don't need to ask them all at once.

Before any visit

Write your top 3 questions at the top of the page.
Bring a list of all your medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal products. Or bring the bottles.
Bring a friend or family member if you can, to listen and take notes.
Bring a notebook, or ask if you can record the key points on your phone.
If something isn't clear, it's okay to say, "Can you explain that another way?"

When you're first diagnosed

What kind of heart disease do I have, in plain words?
What happened to my heart? Was there any damage to the heart muscle?
How well is my heart pumping?
What caused this, and what can I do to lower my risk from here?
What is my treatment plan for the next few months?
Who is on my care team, and what does each person do?
Who do I call with questions, and how do I reach them after hours?
Where can I learn more? Are there resources for my family?

About tests

Why do I need this test? What will it tell us?
How do I prepare? Should I fast, avoid caffeine or skip any medicines?
Does it use dye or radiation? Are there risks for me?
How long will it take, and can someone come with me?
Can I drive home afterwards?
When will I get results, and who will explain them?
What do my results mean? What are my cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, and what should my targets be?

About medicines

Ask about each medicine:

What is this medicine for, and how does it help my heart?
How and when should I take it? With food or without?
How long will I need to take it?
What side effects should I watch for? Which ones mean I should call you?
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Does it interact with my other medicines, foods, alcohol or supplements?
Is it safe to take pain relievers or cold medicines with it? Which ones?

And about your medicines overall:

Should I have nitroglycerin at home? When and how exactly do I use it?
What should I do if I can't afford a medicine?
Can you or my pharmacist help me set up a routine so I don't forget?

About procedures (angiogram, stent or bypass surgery)

Why do you recommend this procedure for me? What are the other options?
What are the benefits and risks for someone like me?
What happens if I wait, or choose not to have it?
How long will I stay in hospital?
What will recovery look like at home, week by week?
How should I care for my wound or the spot where the tube went in?
After a stent: how long do I need to take anti-clotting medicines? What if I need other surgery or dental work?
When can I shower, lift, drive, go back to work and have sex?

About cardiac rehab

Have I been referred to cardiac rehab? If not, can you refer me?
Where is the nearest program? Is there a home-based or virtual option?
When will it start, and how long does it last?
Is there a cost, and is it covered?
What should I do for activity until rehab starts?
Can my family come to education sessions?

About lifestyle and daily life

How much physical activity is safe for me now? How should I build up?
Are there any activities I should avoid?
What should I eat more of, and less of? Can I see a dietitian?
How much sodium (salt) should I aim for?
Is it okay for me to drink alcohol? How much?
I smoke or vape. What help is available to quit?
What should my weight, blood pressure and blood sugar targets be?
Should I get a flu shot or other vaccines?
When can I travel, and is it safe to fly?
I'm feeling worried or low. Is that normal, and where can I get support?
Should I be checked for sleep apnea?

About follow-up

When is my next appointment, and with whom?
What tests will I need, and how often?
Which symptoms mean I should call you, and which mean I should call 9-1-1?
What should I do if my symptoms change between visits?
Who should I contact if I have questions about my results or medicines?
Is there a written care plan I can take home?

Before you leave

Check that you can answer these three questions:

What is my main health problem?
What do I need to do?
Why is it important for me to do this?

If you can't, ask your team to go over it again. Good questions lead to better care, and your team wants you to ask.

My questions for this visit

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This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your health care team about your own situation. In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.

In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.

Sources

General information, not medical advice. It does not replace your own care team. If you think you or someone else is having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 (Canada and the US).

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