Preparing for an appointment

Eventually you or your baby will see a cardiologist with experience in treating congenital heart defects. Here's some information to help you get ready for the appointment.

What you can do

Make a list of:

• Symptoms you've noticed in yourself or your child, including any that may seem unrelated to a heart defect
• Important personal information, including family history of congenital heart disease, illnesses the mother had during pregnancy or behaviors, such as smoking, during pregnancy
• Questions to ask your doctor

Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information your doctor gives you.

For a congenital heart defect, questions to ask the cardiologist include:

• What tests are needed?
• What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
• Will this require more than one surgery?
• How can I make myself or my child more comfortable?
• Are there restrictions to follow?
• If I get pregnant again, is there a way to prevent this from happening again?
• Are there brochures or other printed material that 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, such as:

• Have symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• What, if anything, seems to improve the symptoms?
• Does anything worsen the symptoms?