Preparing for an appointment

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

What you can do

When you make the doctor's appointment, be sure to ask if you need to do anything in advance, such as restrict your or your child's diet.

Write down the following information and take it with you to the appointment:

• Your or your child's symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to your heart, and when they began
• All medications, vitamins or other supplements you or your child takes, including doses
• Key medical information, including other diagnosed conditions
• Key personal information, including any recent life changes or stressors
• Write down questions to ask your doctor

If you're seeing a new doctor, request that a copy of medical records be sent to the new office.

Questions to ask your doctor

• What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• What tests do I need?
• What treatments can help?
• What risks does this heart condition create?
• How often will I need follow-up appointments?
• Do I need to restrict activities?
• How will other conditions that I have or medications I take affect my heart problem?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as:

• How severe are the symptoms?
• How often have you or your child had a fast heartbeat?
• How long have the episodes lasted?
• Does anything (such as exercise, stress or caffeine) seem to trigger the episodes or make symptoms worse?
• Do you have a family history of heart disease?