Preparing for an appointment

If you think you may have cardiomyopathy or are worried about your risk, make an appointment with your primary care doctor. He or she may refer you to a heart specialist (cardiologist).

Here's information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to cardiomyopathy, and when they began
• Key personal information, including a family history of cardiomyopathy, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure or diabetes, and any major stresses or recent life changes
• All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take, including doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.

For cardiomyopathy, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• What are other possible causes?
• What tests do I need?
• What treatment options are available, and which do you recommend for me?
• How often should I be screened?
• Should I tell my family members to be screened for cardiomyopathy?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:

• Do you have symptoms all the time, or do they come and go?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?