Preparing for an appointment

You're likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor. You might be referred to a doctor trained in heart disorders (cardiologist).

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Be aware of pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your caffeine intake before having heart function tests.

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment, when they began and how often they occur
• Key personal information, including major stresses or recent life changes
• All medications, vitamins and supplements you take, including the doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

Ask a family member or friend to come with you, if possible, to help you remember the information you receive.

For bundle branch block, questions to ask your doctor include:

• What are the most likely causes of my symptoms?
• What tests do I need?
• What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
• Will the bundle branch block return after treatment?
• What side effects might I expect from treatment?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Do you have brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:

• Does anything seem to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
• Has a doctor ever told you that you have a bundle branch block?