We have created a range of easy-to-use resources to help you understand the support available in healthcare settings. These resources
explain who can help, what to expect at appointments, and where to find extra support if you need it.
On this page, you will find information about:
- seeing a heart doctor for the first time
These resources are designed to make healthcare easier to understand and less overwhelming, so you feel confident and supported when working with your healthcare team.
Download: all resources on this page are available to download in Word or PDF. We also provide Easy Read versions which may help support people with learning disabilities, autism, or cognitive disabilities but many people will find them useful.
- Patient information - Seeing a heart doctor for the first time (PDF)
- Patient information - Seeing a heart doctor for the first time (Microsoft Word)
- Easy read - going to see a heart doctor (PDF)
Translate this page: to read this page in another language, click the “Translate” option in your browser (usually found by right-clicking on the page or selecting the translate icon). You can also copy the web page link into Google Translate to view it in your preferred language.
Accessibility: this website is run by NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. View the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership accessibility statement.
Seeing a heart doctor for the first time
You are going to see a heart doctor (called a cardiologist). This could be for:
- finding out what is wrong (a diagnosis)
- talking about your treatment
- a check-up (called a follow-up appointment)
It’s normal to feel a bit worried before your appointment. Knowing what will happen can help you feel more calm and ready. At your appointment, you may:
- have your blood pressure and pulse checked
- talk about your health and any symptoms
- have tests like an electrocardiogram ECG (heart test), scan or blood test
- hear more about your heart condition
- talk about your treatment plan
- find out when or/if you need to come back again
It’s a good idea to write down any questions you want to ask.
Getting ready for your appointment
Before your appointment, think about these questions:
- How have you been feeling?
- Have you noticed anything new or different?
- Do you want to change anything about your care?
- Is your heart condition stopping you from doing things, like work or hobbies?
- What’s been going well? What’s been hard?
Take your questions and notes
- Write down your questions and take them with you
- Take a pen and paper so you can make notes
- Some people use a small notebook for all their medical visits
Your first appointment – questions to ask
Here are some good questions to ask at your first appointment:
- What tests will I need? What are they like?
- Is there anything I should do while I wait?
- Is there anything I should not do?
- What signs or symptoms should I look out for?
- If I feel unwell, who should I contact and when?
- What can I do to help myself feel better?
Talking about your treatment
If your treatment is starting soon or has just started, you can ask:
- How will this treatment help me?
- Do I need to do anything to get ready?
- Are there any risks or side effects?
- How does this medicine work?
- Who can I speak to if I have questions or problems?
Living with a heart condition
Think about the things you do every day. You might need to change some things, and your heart doctor can help you. Ask questions like:
- When is my next appointment?
- Can I exercise? What kind is safe?
- Is it safe to have sex?
- Can a heart nurse help me?
- Can I go on holiday or travel?
- When can I drive again?
- Will this affect my job?
Support and information
- Consider taking someone with you – a friend or family member can come too. They can help you remember things or ask questions.
- Ask for help. The heart team can give you leaflets, websites or phone numbers. These can help you learn more about your condition and how to manage it.