Heart Failure Treatment and Medication Questions

Helpful Highlights

• Write down questions a few days in advance to make sure all concerns are included.

• Do not limit yourself to these questions; ask others as you think of them.

If your loved one has been diagnosed with heart failure, you both will likely have a lot of questions. Your first resource should be the healthcare team, as they can help navigate any confusion or uncertainty. Asking the most relevant questions will help you know what to anticipate and how to take action.

Use this list to help prepare questions for the provider ahead of time. This will help you make the most of your loved one's next appointment.

Treatment and medication

• What treatment approach is suggested at this stage and what are the treatment options?

• What are the benefits of these treatment options? What are the drawbacks?

• Who will be on the care team treating my loved one?

• Is there a care plan specific to heart failure?

• Can you refer us to a dietitian who can give us more advice on a diet appropriate for heart failure?

• What therapies should we do if the symptoms get worse?

• What additional therapies can we expect as the condition itself progresses?

• What are the medication options?

  • How do these medications help heart failure?

  • Why does my loved one need these medications?

  • Are there any side effects we need to be aware of? Report?

  • How many and how often should my loved one be taking each medication?

  • Will they have to take them for the rest of their life?

  • What should I do if a dose is missed?

  • Is it ever safe for them to decide to stop taking any of these medicines?

  • Will these interact with any other medications, over-the-counter medicines, or vitamins or supplements?

  • How can we ensure no drug-drug or food-drug interactions going forward?

• Will my loved one need cardiac rehab? How do we get started with that?

• How do we find a local, evidence-based physical activity program that accommodates heart failure? How does one enroll?

• Will my loved one ever need a pacemaker or AICD (automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator)?

• Will my loved one ever need a heart transplant?

• Are there clinical trials we should be considering?

• When should we call the doctor, and which doctor do we call (PCP, cardiologist)? When should we call 9-1-1?

No content in this app, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.