Expert tips from cardiologist Dr. Ali Hader on how to prepare for and navigate your heart doctor visits to get the best care possible.
Seeing a cardiologist can be intimidating, whether it’s your first visit or part of an ongoing treatment plan. With limited time, unfamiliar medical terms, and the weight of serious health concerns, it’s easy to walk out of the office with unanswered questions or confusion.
But according to Dr. Ali Hader, a New York-based cardiologist known online as @yourheartdoc, there are simple ways patients can take charge of their appointments to get better care and peace of mind.
We spoke with Dr. Hader about what he wants every patient to know before, during, and after their cardiology visits. Whether you’re managing a heart condition or just want to prevent one, here’s how to make the most of your time with a heart specialist.
Walking into your cardiologist’s office with a clear and focused mindset can completely change the outcome of your visit. Dr. Hader emphasizes the importance of being calm, prepared, and engaged.
“You may get a lot of information and questions thrown at you, so you don’t want to miss the chance for your concerns to be addressed,” he explained.
Taking just a few minutes beforehand to ground yourself, whether that means reviewing your notes, doing some deep breathing, or simply reminding yourself why you’re there, can reduce anxiety and make you a more active participant in your care.
Preparation isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. Dr. Hader recommends three things every patient should bring to a cardiology appointment:
- A complete medical file: “Know your medical history and prior test results,” he says. “Whenever possible, have a file of all prior testing and prior consultations available to maximize your visit.” This can include EKGs, blood tests, imaging studies like echocardiograms or CT scans, and past doctors’ notes.
- Family History Details: “Try to learn the specifics: what type of heart disease, and at what age in family members,” Dr. Hader advises. This helps your cardiologist assess your risk more accurately.
- A written list of questions: Jot down your concerns before the appointment. You don’t want to forget to ask something important, especially if the visit gets technical or time feels short.
Questions to ask your cardiologist
Feeling overwhelmed during a visit? Dr. Hader suggests these go-to questions to help you stay informed and in control:
- How concerned are you about my symptom(s)?
- What is my overall risk of a future cardiac event?
- What are my current numbers, like blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight, and what should my goals be for each?
- What lifestyle measures should I focus on?
- What tests or medications might be necessary, and why?
These questions open the door to a deeper understanding of your condition and help you make informed decisions.
When it comes to describing symptoms, clarity and structure are everything. “Relaying the story or symptoms in an organized and chronological fashion is best,” says Dr. Hader.
If your health history is complex, practice how you’ll explain it beforehand or bring notes. Be sure to include:
- when symptoms started
- how often they occur
- what they feel like
- what makes them better or worse
This helps your cardiologist identify patterns and get to a diagnosis faster.
When you’re seeing a cardiologist for a specific issue, like chest discomfort or heart palpitations, it’s natural to focus only on what brought you in. But Dr. Hader encourages patients to also use the visit as a chance to talk about long-term heart health and prevention.
“If you are going to visit the cardiologist to address a specific symptom, don’t forget to address your preventative health as well,” he says.
For example, if your palpitations turn out to be benign, it’s still worth asking about your risk for future heart events like heart attacks, and whether additional testing or lifestyle changes could help.
Every visit is an opportunity to look at the bigger picture of your cardiovascular health.
Don’t hold back when it comes to your habits. Cardiologists need to know how much you exercise, whether you smoke or drink, and what your stress levels are like.
“Everyone has a different idea of what healthy is to them,” Dr. Hader says, so be upfront about your health goals too, whether you’re trying to live longer, avoid medication, or just feel better.
If the care plan feels confusing, you’re not alone. But there are simple ways to ask for clarity. “One way is to ask if all of this will be written and available on the patient portal of the electronic medical record,” Dr. Hader suggests.
He also recommends bringing a pen and paper or a trusted friend or family member to take notes. And don’t hesitate to ask your cardiologist to summarize the plan one more time before you leave.
Your visit doesn’t end when you walk out the door. Dr. Hader recommends staying engaged with your care plan between appointments.
That could mean checking the patient portal, following lifestyle recommendations, getting additional tests done, or even scheduling a follow-up if something’s unclear.
Dr. Hader adds, “If any of the symptoms you have are worsening, not improving with assigned treatment, or there is a new symptom, I recommend calling your doctor.”
It can also be helpful to ask during your visit which symptoms are considered red flags for your specific case, meaning any warning signs that could indicate a serious or urgent heart issue and would require immediate medical attention.
If there’s one piece of advice Dr. Hader hopes every patient remembers, it’s this: “Be proactive and be involved in your own health and treatment plan rather than simply being a passive recipient of care. This is the key to success!”
Heart health is something you can actively shape, especially when you work together with your doctor. When you take an active role by preparing for your visits, asking questions, and setting goals, you’re doing more than just attending an appointment. You’re investing in your long-term well-being.
With collaboration and consistency, your relationship with your cardiologist can be one of the most valuable tools in protecting your heart.
Your cardiology visit is more than just a checkup. It’s a chance to take an active role in your heart health. With a little preparation and clear communication, you can walk away with a better understanding of your symptoms, your risk factors, and the steps that will help you feel your best.
As Dr. Hader emphasizes, being involved in your own care makes a real difference. Ask questions, bring your history, and don’t hesitate to speak up if something’s unclear. Every appointment is an opportunity to build a stronger partnership with your doctor—and a healthier future for your heart.