Questions to Ask

If you've had a heart attack, there are several key questions that you should ask your health care team during your next visit. Below is a list of these questions to consider asking.

Print them out or write them down and bring them with you to your next health visit.

Tip: You might want to pick the top three or four questions that concern you the most so that you are sure to have enough time to discuss them.

• What caused my heart attack?
• Should I go to cardiac rehab?
• What activities can I do and what do I need to avoid? What about sexual activity? Driving? Travel?
• What can I do to lessen my risk of a heart attack?
• When and how should I use nitroglycerin?
• What medications do I need to take? What medications or prescription medications should I avoid?
• How long will I need to take medicine?
• If I need to take a common over-the-counter medicine from the drugstore to treat a cold or lessen pain, which ones are safest for me?
• What diet do I need to follow?
• What is my self-care plan?
• What should I do if I have chest pain, shortness of breath or feel like I'm going to pass out?