Questions to Ask About Heart Failure Diagnosis

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.

Understanding heart failure

• What is heart failure?

• What kind of heart failure does my loved one have?

• What likely caused the heart failure, and is there an underlying illness we can treat?

• Will you explain the diagnosis?

• Is heart failure mild, moderate, or severe?

• What tests will they need to have? How often will they need these tests?

• Will the results of these tests change their treatment?

• What are the signs and symptoms that heart failure is getting worse? 

• Does heart failure affect any other medical conditions?

• Will heart failure shorten my loved one’s life expectancy?

• Are there any risk factors we should be aware of, or anything we should watch for?

• Will their blood pressure change? 

• Does their cholesterol need to be tested and treated?

• Will my loved one need cardiac rehabilitation?

• When should I call the doctor? When should I call 9-1-1?

• What is the progression of heart failure?

• What is the next step?

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.