Your Heart Failure Health Care Team

If you have heart failure, it’s important to build good relationships with your health care team. Be open and honest with them. Keep them updated about symptoms or changes in your condition so that they can help you. Follow their advice to manage your condition and have a full, active life.

View Partnering in your treatment: questions to ask your doctor (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

Your health care team may include:

• Primary care doctor: Usually a general internist or family physician. They provide routine check-ups and basic tests. They are your main contact for questions and advice. They are likely in charge of your overall care.
• Cardiologist: Diagnoses and treats heart problems.
• Other doctors: Includes surgeons and specialists recommended by your primary care doctor or cardiologist.
• Clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners and physician associates: Diagnose and treat heart problems, perform tests and give care and advice.
• Physical and occupational therapists: Help with cardiac rehab and create physical activity plans.
• Dietitians: Share heart-healthy eating tips and create meal plans.
• Mental health professionals: Help with emotional stress, anxiety or depression.
• Social workers and case managers: Help with financial, legal and insurance issues. They also help develop advance directives and find support services.
• Pharmacists: Provide information about medications, including interactions with foods or other drugs. They also help you understand medication instructions and when and how to take them. 

You’re also an important member of the health care team

You and your caregivers are important members of the health care team. It’s your job to follow their instructions and let them know how you’re feeling. Good teamwork and communication can improve your quality of life.

Talking openly with your health care team helps you get the most from your visits. Knowing what to ask and understanding their advice can make you feel confident about your care.

Communication is key in making decisions about advanced heart failure. You and your health care professional should discuss your goals and best treatment options for you.

Tips for communicating with your health care team

• Be prepared: Make the most of your health care appointments by getting ready beforehand. Take a list of all medications you’re taking. Make a list of your current symptoms. Note any changes in your condition. Write down your concerns and questions.
• Ask questions: Making good choices starts with asking questions. Take notes or record your conversation so you can look at it later or share it with others. Consider these questions:
  • Will you be honest with me about my condition?
  • Will you help me make care decisions that match my goals?
  • What symptoms and outlook can I expect in the future?
  • What care decisions do I need to make now?
  • What decisions do I need to make about future treatments?
  • What are the benefits and risks of the treatment options?
  • Can we have a yearly talk to review my goals and treatment decisions?
• Clarify what you hear: If you don’t understand what the health care team is saying, ask them to use simpler words or explain it in another way. Then, repeat what you heard in your own words to make sure you got it right.