Patient information from BMJ

Heart failure: questions to ask your doctor

Last published:Dec 06, 2021

If you've been told you have heart failure you may want to talk to your doctor to find out more.

Here are some questions that you might want to ask:

Why did I get heart failure?
What does heart failure mean? How does it differ from a heart attack?
Will I have a heart attack?
Will I get better?
What's the best treatment for me?
Will I need to have treatment for the rest of my life?
What are the side effects of treatment? How can I cope with them?
Will I need surgery?
Do I have to stop any activities, such as playing sports or swimming?
Can I still have sex?
Should I change what I eat? If so, how? What should I avoid eating?
Is it safe for me to drive?

If you smoke, you may want to ask your doctor:

Will it help if I stop smoking?
Where can I find someone who can help me stop smoking?
What treatments are available to help me stop?
Is there a local support group I can join to help me stop?

The patient information from BMJ Best Practice is regularly updated. The most recent version of Best Practice can be found at bestpractice.bmj.com. This information is intended for use by health professionals. It is not a substitute for medical advice. It is strongly recommended that you independently verify any interpretation of this material and, if you have a medical problem, see your doctor.

Please see BMJ's full terms of use at: bmj.com/company/legal-information. BMJ does not make any representations, conditions, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that this material is accurate, complete, up-to-date or fit for any particular purposes.

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