Ask the Experts Blog

If you or a loved one has heart failure, you may have questions about the diagnosis. Having an open and honest talk with your health care provider about any concerns is important.

“Heart failure education and patient-physician communication are key,” said John-Phillip Markovic, MD, cardiologist, Corewell Health. “It is important for patients to understand heart failure and how to implement certain day-to-day lifestyle changes to manage symptoms and prevent hospitalizations.”

You may want to ask your health care provider questions like these:

• What is my diagnosis and will my condition get worse?
• What are the treatment options and are there side effects?
• Why do I need this medicine and what should I do if I miss a dose?
• Will I be able to take care of myself in the weeks and months ahead? If not, what help might I need?
• What can I do to manage my condition?
• Which activities can I do and which should I avoid?
• What symptoms may mean that my condition is worsening?
• When should I call for immediate medical attention?

Do not be embarrassed to ask your doctor to slow down or repeat something. You need to clearly understand your treatment, your medicines and how to manage your condition. You may also want to have paper and a pen ready so you can take notes.

Information to Share with Your Doctor

There is a lot you can do at home to track your health. “Log your weight, blood pressure and symptoms. Take your medicines as prescribed,” said Dr. Markovic. “And never stop taking your medication before talking with your doctor. These steps will help your doctor judge how well your treatment is working.”

Tell your doctor about your symptoms and how you are feeling. It is key to let them know about any changes or problems you have. Be honest about whether you have been able to follow the diet, medications as prescribed, exercise and other advice you have been given. Your health care team needs to know where you are having trouble so that they can help.

Your doctor may refer you to a registered dietitian if you are having trouble sticking to your diet. They will work with you to make meal plans, shopping lists and recipes. Heart failure teams also work alongside counselors, social workers and mental health specialists to help find additional resources.

“Patients should be encouraged to take an active role and develop a close working relationship with their doctor so that they can obtain the best care possible,” said Dr. Markovic.

To learn more about congestive heart failure visit spectrumhealthlakeland.org/heart.