10 Questions To Better Understand Your Heart Defect or Condition

Parents and kids, have you wanted to visit your pediatric cardiologist with a list of questions to help you better understand your heart's condition? Take a look at the following list of questions you can bring with you to your next appointment that can help you understand.

Thanks to American Heart Heroes member Jara G. and members of the program's task force, this list is provided to give you general questions to help understand. The following list is not a complete list of items that you need to know about your condition, but a short list to assist in gathering general knowledge.

What is the name of my heart defect or heart condition?
Can you explain my condition to me in “layman’s terms?”
With my condition, can you outline what I should expect overall?
With my condition, what are some of the symptoms I should be aware of and/or expect?
What kind of bloodwork will I need to have?
At this time, what kinds of testing will I need? What does each kind of testing mean and what’s involved?
What are the types of medication that are used for my condition?
In “layman’s terms,” what do the medications I need do?
Do my medications have any side effects that I can be aware of or expect?
(Depending on the heart defect or condition) Do you have a drawing or illustration of the heart to better understand my condition?