At Your Appointment

Atrial Fibrillation Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.
  • Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
  • How would you rate your symptoms since our last visit? Better, about the same, or worse?
  • Have you experienced chest pain?
  • How often has atrial fibrillation interfered with your activities since our last visit? Frequently, occasionally or rarely?
  • What changes have you made to your diet and alcohol and caffeine consumption?
  • Do you need help reducing stress or quitting smoking?
  • If it's determined that you are a good candidate, are you ready to consider a procedure to correct atrial fibrillation?
  • What symptoms do you have and when did you first notice them?
  • Are your symptoms constant or do they come and go?
  • How severe are your symptoms? Do they interfere with your daily activities?
  • Do you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or another chronic medical condition?
  • Do you smoke, drink alcohol, or consume caffeine? How long and how much?
  • What makes your symptoms better or worse?
  • Have you started, stopped or changed medications recently for any other health conditions?
  • What concerns you most about your atrial fibrillation?
  • What new symptoms are you experiencing?
  • What causes atrial fibrillation?
  • What other causes could be responsible for my atrial fibrillation symptoms?
  • What tests do I need to diagnose heart failure?
  • What treatments are available for atrial fibrillation? How effective are they?
  • How does atrial fibrillation affect long-term health?
  • What kind of atrial fibrillation do I have? Paroxysmal, persistent or permanent?
  • How does atrial fibrillation affect my risk of stroke and heart failure?
  • What treatment do you recommend for my atrial fibrillation? Do I need medicine to prevent a stroke?
  • Does my heart show signs of weakness? How often do I need to have my heart evaluated?
  • What kinds of exercises and activities are safe for me?
  • Are there over-the-counter medicines I should avoid? Are there any other restrictions I need to follow?
  • Are there other medications that would do a better job of controlling my symptoms or have fewer side effects?
  • Do my new or different symptoms mean that my atrial fibrillation is getting worse?
  • What is the best treatment plan for my atrial fibrillation?
  • Am I a good candidate for a procedure to correct atrial fibrillation?
Was this helpful?
390
Last Review Date: 2018 Nov 1
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
  1. Atrial Fibrillation. American College of Cardiology. https://www.cardiosmart.org/Heart-Conditions/Atrial-Fibrillation
  2. Atrial Fibrillation. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atrial-fibrillation/symptoms-causes/syc-20350624