Tips to Make the Most of Your Cardiology Visit

Bryan White, MD, a cardiologist with Adventist HealthCare Cardiac Associates, has some tips to help you feel better about your visit and make the most of your appointment.

Finding the right heart doctor

• If your primary care doctor referred you to a particular cardiologist, you can look up their information and learn a little more about them before your visit. There could be important information on their website that could help make your visit run smoothly.
• Finding the right doctor is important to ensuring a good visit and better long-term health. If you don’t have a referral to a particular cardiologist, you can ask friends and family for any recommendations. When searching, look for things that matter to you. Are they in a location that works for you? Are you familiar with their practice or health system? What is their philosophy of care? “A good partnership with a physician is key to helping you meet your health goals. It’s okay to try another physician if you don’t feel there is a good relationship” says Dr. White.

What to do before your visit

• Ensure your records are sent to the new doctor before your visit. This will help your provider become familiar with your health history. Your primary care doctor can help you with your records. Dr. White also advises to bring any of your own records to the appointment as well, especially any family history information that can help inform the discussion.
• Arrange for a trusted family member or friend to come with you to the visit. A first visit could be overwhelming with lots of new information and instructions. Your support person can listen and record details you may miss, advocate for you and help with education later on. “Your family is an important part of your healthcare team and if they know next steps and other significant details related to your condition they can support you better at home,” says Dr. White.

During your visit

• Know the purpose of your visit. Keeping this top of mind will help you remember your questions and help the doctor address your key concerns.
• Talk to your doctor about your family history and other lifestyle factors. Your risk level for serious heart complications may change based on risk factors and risk enhancements. Dr. White adds “your risk is based on a variety of factors including lifestyle and family history. It’s important for your doctor to know if you have a parent with a history of early heart attack as it can significantly increase your risk level. There may also be factors that can decrease your risk so an in-depth discussion about your risk will aid in finding the best way to treat and manage your heart health.”
• Ask questions. It may be overwhelming at the time but ask questions as you think about them. It’s important to have a two-way dialogue between the doctor and you. Your doctor and you work together and staying engaged and informed supports a better outcome.

After your visit

• Check out any apps or websites that will help support your heart health goals. This includes setting up your smart watch, if you have one, to support you. Dr. White shares, “People are more empowered than ever and have so much information available. Based on your specific health goals, these types of technology can really give you the needed support in nutrition, exercise, health tracking and monitoring to help you manage your health.”
• Make a checklist for your next visit. This will help you keep track of questions, medications and other information to help you in time for the next appointment.
• Sign up for the patient portal. Almost all practices offer a patient portal where you can keep track of medications, test results, message your doctor and more. Using the portal is a quick and easy way to check in with your doctor, request refills and see your results.

These tips can help make the most of any doctor’s visit. If you need an appointment with a cardiologist, find a doctor with Cardiac Associates that fits your unique needs near you.