9 essential questions to ask at your doctor's appointment

Whether you’re waiting for heart treatment, or just going for a check-up, it’s best to be as prepared as possible to get the most out of your NHS or private appointment.

Here are 9 questions to ask your GP, nurse or cardiologist to help you feel more in control of your condition and care.

1. Why am I having this heart test or treatment?

This question helps you understand the purpose behind a proposed test or treatment, whether it’s to diagnose a condition, relieve symptoms, prevent complications, or improve long-term outcomes.

Your doctor or nurse can explain how the test or treatment works, what it’s aiming to achieve, and why it’s recommended for you specifically.

It’s also a chance to ask whether the test or treatment is urgent, or if there’s time to consider other options.

There’s often more than one way to manage a heart or circulatory condition, from medicines and lifestyle changes, to procedures.

And sometimes, your medical team will simply recommend watchful waiting – where they monitor you to see if a concern progresses to anything more serious.

Ask your doctor or nurse to walk you through the pros and cons of each option, including what’s available at your GP practice and what might require referral to a cardiologist. 

You can also ask about second opinions, clinical trials, and newer treatments that may be suitable for your situation.  

This question puts you in control and helps you make choices that fit your values and circumstances.

• Read more about treatments for heart and circulatory conditions and risk factors.  

2. What are the risks and benefits of treatment for me? 

Every treatment comes with trade-offs. This question helps you weigh them up in the context of your own health, lifestyle and preferences.  

Ask your doctor or nurse to explain the likely benefits such as symptom relief, reduced risk of complications and possible risks like side effects and recovery time.

You can also ask:

• What happens if I choose not to have treatment?
• Are there alternatives?
• Can you point me to reliable sources or organisations for more information?

This shows you’re making an informed decision, not just following a recommendation. 

3. What do my test results mean, and what will happen next? 

Test results can feel overwhelming; this question helps you connect the dots.

Ask your doctor or nurse to explain what your results show, whether they confirm a diagnosis, and how they influence the next steps. 

You might ask:

• Are my results within normal range?
• Are they improving or worsening?
• Do they suggest I need more tests, a procedure, or a change in treatment?

Understanding the link between results and decisions helps you feel informed and reassured.

• Read more about tests for heart and circulatory conditions and risk factors. 

4. How will I know if my heart condition has progressed? 

If you're waiting for a heart diagnosis, an investigation, procedure or surgery, asking this helps you understand what signs to look out for, such as:

• worsening fatigue
• swelling
• breathlessness 
• chest pain or discomfort
• stable angina turning into unstable angina
• palpitations
• dizziness
• new symptoms.

Your doctor or nurse may recommend tests like an ECG (electrocardiogram), or an echo (echocardiogram), or blood tests to assess any changes.

They can also help you interpret subtle shifts in symptoms and decide whether further action is needed.

This question shows you’re actively monitoring your health and opens the door to tailored advice for your nurse or doctor.

5. What should I do if my symptoms get worse while waiting for treatment?

Worsening symptoms may mean you need to be seen sooner or start treatment earlier. 

Your doctor or nurse might suggest keeping a symptom diary, adjusting your medicines, or contacting the hospital to fast-track your case. 

In some cases, they may advise calling NHS 111 or 999 if your symptoms suggest an emergency.  

It’s best to know what to look out for so you can get the right help for you at the right time.

• Read more about symptoms and when to seek urgent medical help.

6. Is there a cancellation list? Or someone I can tell I’m available anytime? 

Many hospitals keep cancellation lists for investigations, procedures and surgery. Your doctor or nurse or hospital admin team can add you to the list if you’re flexible about timings. 

Letting them know you’re available at short notice increases your chances of being offered an earlier slot. 

Your doctor or nurse may also advise contacting your consultant cardiologist’s personal assistant, or using hospital online portals, to flag your availability. 

7. What should I do if my care is delayed? 

This question helps you understand your options and stay informed about your care pathway if your appointment, test, treatment, procedure or surgery is postponed. 

Your doctor or nurse may be able to contact the hospital on your behalf or fast-track your case if symptoms worsen. 

They can also recommend interim support such as changes to your medicines or monitoring you while you wait. 

NHS guidance says you should be offered a new date within 28 days if your surgery is cancelled for non-clinical reasons.

• Read more about what to do if your procedure is delayed.

8. How can I support my heart health in the meantime?

This shows your doctor or nurse that you’re proactive and open to lifestyle changes that could support your condition. 

They may suggest gentle exercise, heart-healthy eating, stress management, or giving up smoking, all of which can reduce the risk of your heart or circulatory condition from getting worse. 

You might be signposted to local wellbeing services or cardiac rehab resources. 

It’s also a chance to check which activities are safe for you while you wait for care.

• Learn more about heart healthy eating.

9. How does my heart condition impact my future plans?

Whether you’re planning a holiday, returning to work, starting a family, or training for a sporting event, it’s important to know what’s safe and realistic to do.  

Ask your doctor or nurse how your condition or treatment might affect travel insurance, the type of work you can do, pregnancy, physical activity, or long-term health.  

They can help you prepare emotionally. For example, if you’ve had an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) implanted, you might want support adjusting to life with a device.  

This question also opens up a conversation about living well, not just managing illness.

• Learn more about emotional support when living with a heart condition. 

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