Deciding with your doctor

There is often more than one way to look after your heart: a procedure, a medicine, a change in habits, or watching and waiting with regular check-ups. When the evidence does not point to a single best option, the right choice also depends on what matters to you. That is why it is made between you and your doctor.

You have the right to clear information about your condition, your options and the risks of each, and to ask every question you need before you give your informed consent.

Four steps to decide

1. Clarify the decision: what needs to be decided, why, and by when.
2. Know your options: ask for each one to be explained, with its benefits, its risks and what would happen if you do nothing.
3. Think about what matters to you: for example, recovery time, pain, travel, cost or getting back to work soon.
4. Check whether you are ready: before deciding, answer these four questions.
   • Do I know the benefits and risks of each option?
   • Am I clear about which benefits and risks matter most to me?
   • Do I have enough support and advice to decide?
   • Do I feel sure about the best choice for me?

If any answer is “no,” talk to your doctor again before you decide.

A guide to fill in at home

The Ottawa Personal Decision Guide (PDF) helps you sort out your options and bring your answers to your appointment. A Spanish version is also available. You can print it and fill it in with your family.

Below you can tick the questions you want to ask your doctor and print your list.

In an emergency, such as a heart attack, there is no time to decide calmly: the team will act to protect your life and will explain what is needed to you or your family.