Patient Instructions (Cardiology Care Plan)

Date: [visit date] Provider: [clinician name] | Contact: [clinic phone]

Today's Visit

[Reason for visit in patient's words]

[Condition addressed and what it means in 1–2 simple sentences]

• [Key action 1: medication started/stopped/changed, test ordered, or follow-up scheduled]
• [Key action 2]
• [Key action 3]
• [Key action 4]
• [Key action 5]

(Limit to 3–5 key actions. If no medication changes were made, state: "No medication changes were made today.")

Your Medications

(List only what the patient should take now. Omit any category with no items.)

Started today

• [Medication name (brand if helpful)] — [dose] — [timing] — [purpose in plain language]

Stopped today

• [Medication name] — [brief reason if appropriate]

Dose changed

• [Medication name] — New dose: [dose] — [timing] — [purpose]

Continue as before

• [Medication name] — [dose] — [timing] — [purpose]

(If medication reconciliation was incomplete, include: "We could not fully confirm your medication list today—please bring all bottles to your next visit.")

Medication safety (Include only if patient is on these medications)

• (If on anticoagulant/blood thinner) Do not stop this medicine without calling us. Watch for bleeding (black stools, blood in urine, nosebleeds that do not stop). Use a soft toothbrush and electric razor. Tell all your doctors and dentists you take a blood thinner. Call us if you have a fall or head injury.
• (If on diuretic/water pill) If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint, sit or lie down and call us.

What to Do at Home

(Include only items specifically discussed today.)

• Blood pressure monitoring: [frequency]. Sit and rest 5 minutes, arm at heart level, use an upper-arm cuff, take two readings 1 minute apart, and keep a log. Your goal: [BP target]. (If no target given: "Your BP goal was not specified—please call us to confirm.")
• Daily weight: Weigh every morning after using the bathroom, before breakfast, same scale, same clothes. Keep a log. Call us if your weight goes up by [threshold] over [timeframe]. (If threshold not provided: "Your weight limit was not specified—please call us to confirm.")
• Symptoms to watch: [condition-specific symptoms to monitor]
• Activity: [specific guidance or restrictions]
• Diet: [specific plan with exact limits if provided]

Tests & Follow-Up

• [Test name] — [how to schedule or "we will schedule"] — [prep if needed] — [location if specified]
• Pending results: [what results are pending]. We will call you by [date]. If you do not hear from us, call [clinic phone].
• Follow-up appointment: [date/time if scheduled] or [timeframe and who will schedule]

Bring to your next visit: your medication bottles, your blood pressure and/or weight logs (if tracking), and your questions.

When to Get Help

Call 911 if:

• Chest pain or pressure that does not go away
• Severe shortness of breath
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Signs of stroke (face droop, arm weakness, trouble speaking)
• Severe bleeding or head injury while on blood thinners

Call us today if:

• Rapid weight gain, worse swelling, or trouble breathing at rest or lying flat
• New or worsening palpitations, especially with dizziness or near-fainting
• You cannot take your medicines due to side effects, vomiting, or cost
• Unusual bruising or bleeding (if on a blood thinner)

Non-urgent questions:

• Call: [clinic phone]
• Patient portal: [portal name] — We usually respond within [response time].

(Omit any section or item not discussed. If a missing detail could affect safety, state: "Not specified—call us.")