During your appointment, you may meet a number of people. These people are here to assist you during your treatment and may include the following:
Staff Cardiologist: this is your primary doctor, who oversees your medical care.
Fellows: these are cardiologists who are doing extra training in heart failure.
Nurse Practitioners: are Registered Nurses who have completed a Master’s Nurse Practitioner degree program and have expertise in the management of heart failure. They have an expanded scope of practice and can order tests and prescribe medications.
Registered Nurses: are nurses who have specialized knowledge in caring for patients with heart failure. They can administer intravenous medications in the clinic setting.
Medical Residents: are doctors who are doing training to become internal medicine specialists or cardiologists.
Registered Dieticians: have advanced knowledge in nutrition and provide teaching and counseling to patients and families on how to manage your heart failure with a healthy diet.
Exercise Physiologist: performs and supervises cardiopulmonary exercise testing.
Medical students: these are senior medical students who are studying to become doctors.
During your clinic visit, you will be asked a number of questions regarding your health in the past, and your current symptoms. You will also be asked about any recent hospitalizations or visits to the Emergency Department. If you have the results of tests that have been done at other hospitals, it is helpful to bring these to your clinic appointment.
University Health Network is an academic teaching centre. You may be approached by a research assistant to participate in a study. Research is essential to advancing our understanding of heart failure.
Things to bring to your appointment:
- All of your medications in their containers (to each clinic visit)
- Your list of questions to ask the health care team
- A family member or friend to help with remembering the information discussed
- Key personal information:
- Previous illnesses and surgeries
- Family history (especially of heart attacks, strokes or heart failure)
- Medical conditions (like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, previous heart attack or stroke)
- The names of other health care professionals involved in your care
Download Checklist for Things to Bring to Your Appointment
Download Personal Medication Information