Acute heart failure: diagnosis and management

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?

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?

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?

How long will I have to take the drugs?

Are there any serious side effects associated with these drugs?

How does a diuretic work?

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?

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?

Would it help my condition if I made some changes to my lifestyle, such as becoming more physically active or changing my diet?

What can I/we do to help and support the person with acute heart failure?

Is there any additional support that I/we as carer(s) might benefit from or be entitled to?

Will I need some help when I get home?

When should I start to feel better and what should I do if I don't start to feel better by then?