Information for the public
Questions to ask about acute heart failure
Questions to ask about acute heart failure
Finding out what's wrong (diagnosis)
-
Can you tell me more about the tests/investigations you've offered me?
-
What do these tests involve?
-
How long will it take to get the results of these tests?
About your condition
-
Can you tell me more about heart failure?
-
Is there anything I can do to help my heart get better?
-
When should I seek help?
-
How can I get help if I need it?
-
How often should I have a review or have blood tests?
-
Are there any support organisations in my local area?
-
Can you provide any information for my family/carers?
Treatments
-
Can you tell me why you have decided to offer me this particular type of treatment?
-
What are the pros and cons of this treatment?
-
What will it involve?
-
How will it help me? What effect will it have on my symptoms and everyday life? What sort of improvements might I expect?
-
What are my options for taking treatments other than the one you have offered me?
-
Is there some other information (like a leaflet, DVD or a website I can go to) about the treatment that I can have?
Medication
-
How long will I have to take the drugs?
-
Are there any serious side effects associated with these drugs?
-
How does a diuretic work?
Side effects
-
What should I do if I get any side effects? (For example, should I call my GP, or go to the emergency department at a hospital?)
-
Are there any long-term effects of taking these drugs?
Surgery
-
Will I need to have an operation?
-
What are the risks?
-
What is the likelihood of success?
-
What will my quality of life be like if the operation is successful? For example, how will it affect my ability to exercise and work?
Lifestyle
-
Would it help my condition if I made some changes to my lifestyle, such as becoming more physically active or changing my diet?