Questions to Ask

If you've been told you have atrial fibrillation, it can be helpful to write down a list of questions to ask your heart doctor during your next visit. These questions can help make sure that you and your doctor talk about your major risk factors so that you can become or stay as healthy as possible. Some questions might include:

• What is causing my atrial fibrillation?
• What type of atrial fibrillation do I have (e.g., paroxysmal, persistent, permanent)?
• What kind of activities can I perform and what should I avoid?
• Are there any foods I should avoid because of atrial fibrillation?
• What exercise program is best for me?
• Is my atrial fibrillation hereditary?
• Has my heart been weakened by the atrial fibrillation?
• What medicines should I take to control my heart rate?
• What medicines can I take to control my heart rhythm?
• What is my risk of having a stroke?
• What can I do to lower my chance of having a heart attack or a stroke?
• If my heart returns to the normal rhythm, can I stop my blood thinners?
• Are there things that might trigger episodes of AFib?
• Should I have a procedure to restore a normal heartbeat?
• Do I need blood thinners to avoid a stroke? What kind (e.g., aspirin, warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban)?
• Will I still feel symptoms even if I am taking medicines for atrial fibrillation?
• If I take a medicine or have a procedure, what are the odds that it will work?
• The shock treatment (cardioversion) returned my heart to the normal rhythm but the atrial fibrillation is back. Is there anything I can do?
• My heartbeat is no longer fast but I still feel tired and short of breath. Is there a next step?