What questions should I be asking my cardiologist tomorrow

[Runcrans]

Hi , I've just had a few bouts of af this week I'm 46 years old and only ever had one episode before which was back in September this year , I've managed to get a cancelation appointment for tomorrow just wondered what questions I should be asking him , many thanks Paul

[BobD Volunteer]

You need to discuss a treatment plan and way forward plus you need to discuss anticoagulation. It may be that your consultant doesn't think that you need this at your age but please check out CHADS2VASC on the main AF Association website and do your own sums first. AF makes a person five times more likely to have a stroke you see. Ask if he is a rhythm specialist (I e an EP) and what he proposes for you.

Bob

[Runcrans in reply to BobD]

Thanks bob

[Thomps95]

Yes agree check your CHAD22VASC score and get the doctor's opinion. But cardiologists differ in how they treat paroxysmal AF. My own approach was to get three opinions before launching into a treatment plan. They all had different treatment plans so I had to make the final decision, and I now have a treatment plan that works. It also gave me information to select a cardiologist that I wanted to work with long term.

Not everyone can get multiple opinions, and some cardiologists do not feel comfortable with a patient getting a second opinion - so if you tell them (not always necessary), just explain that the treatment plan you choose will affect your life and wellbeing, so you want as much perspective as possible in this initial stage, and would they mind. Offer to share the information that you gather with him: any reasonable cardiologist should encourage second opinions. Then go from there.

[Pdotg in reply to Thomps95]

A patient is entitled to ask for a second opinion. I would be wary of a consultant who discourages it!

[Thomps95 in reply to Pdotg]

I'm so glad you said that. I did have one negative experience and was blaming myself - but the wonderful cardiologist I now see encourages me to get as many "second" opinions as I want, which I can share with him as we discuss the best way forward.

[Pdotg in reply to Thomps95]

He sounds like the kind of doctor we all wish for.

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I assume that when you're choosing your cardiologist that he or she is a Heart Rhythm Specialist? I'd rather have 1 EP than 3 cardios!

K