At Your Appointment

Aortic Stenosis Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.

• Has a doctor diagnosed you or your loved one with aortic stenosis?

  1. Yes, diagnosed
  2. No, undiagnosed
• Will this appointment be an in-office visit or an online/telehealth appointment?

  1. In-office visit
  2. Online/telehealth appointment
Submit

Top Questions Your Doctor May Ask You About Aortic Stenosis If you’re having a telehealth appointment, it's helpful to keep these things in mind. Test your computer or smartphone to make sure you can log in without difficulties. Since the doctor can’t examine you in person, be very specific about your symptoms. Print this appointment guide or write down your questions so you remember what to ask, and consider having someone sit with you to listen in. Have your medicines with you so you can show the doctor the labels and doses, and if you are interested in a specific treatment, be sure to ask about it.

• 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 have your aortic stenosis symptoms changed over the last 6 months? No symptoms, about the same, or worse?
• Have you had any previous procedures to treat your aortic stenosis?
• Are there activities you can no longer do, or are harder to do, than they were 6 months ago?
• Have you been experiencing chest pain or tightness? How is your breathing?
• Have you felt lightheaded, dizzy or fainted?
• Have you experienced any heart palpitations (e.g., feeling like you have a rapid, fluttering heartbeat)?
• Have you ever been told you have a heart murmur?
• Do you have any chest pain or chest tightness with physical activity? How is your breathing?
• Do you ever feel faint or dizzy?
• Do you ever experience heart palpitations (e.g., feeling like you have a rapid, fluttering heartbeat)?
• Do you feel fatigued, especially during increased activity or exertion?
• Have you changed medications recently for any other health conditions?
• What new symptoms are you experiencing that you think may be related to aortic stenosis?
• How are your symptoms impacting your quality of life? A lot, somewhat, or not much at all?

Top Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Aortic Stenosis Many people forget to ask important questions at their doctor's appointments. You may want to print or write these questions down before your appointment so you remember to get the answers you need.

• What causes aortic stenosis?
• Does aortic stenosis cause chest pain or light-headedness?
• What tests will I need to determine if I have aortic stenosis?
• Is aortic stenosis dangerous?
• What can be done to treat aortic stenosis?
• How often should you monitor my aortic valve for changes?
• Would you categorize my aortic stenosis as mild, moderate or severe?
• Should I have surgery to fix my aortic valve? If yes, when will that be?
• Will I need open-heart surgery, or could I be a candidate for a more minimally-invasive procedure called TAVR?
• Will I need to see a TAVR-trained surgeon?
• Are there symptoms of aortic stenosis that would require me to get immediate medical care?
• What does having aortic stenosis do to your heart over the long-term?
• Can medical therapy improve my aortic stenosis?
• What changes do I need to make due to having aortic stenosis? What exercises are safe? Are there activities I should avoid?
• Could any of my medications for other health issues be impacting my aortic stenosis symptoms?
• Are my new or different symptoms an indication that my aortic stenosis is getting worse?
• What is the best treatment plan for my aortic stenosis symptoms?

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