ANNUAL ECG

[Patient007]

I used to have an annual ECG at the GPs Surgery because I am taking flecainide and Atenolol.. The Hospital suggests that I should still be having this but my GP said it is not needed unless I go into AF and will not be done automatically every year now. Should I check back with the Hospital on this.

[Finvola]

Can the hospital put this in writing to your GP? Seems strange that the GP concentrates only on AF - cutting costs perhaps? I would follow it up as well - best wishes.

[Patient007 in reply to Finvola]

Thanks for that. I will have another word with my GP when my annual blood tests come up as I used to have the ECG done then at the same time. I do know they are cutting costs because they do not do a lot of clinics anymore like they used to for heart problems, etc. and the GP did mention to me that they were having to cut a lot of costs.

Dave

[Goldfish_]

I don't think this is standard practice and in the face of limitations on NHS services, you would need to make a very strong case for this. Perhaps you can ask the consultant for evidence that it is worthwhile or standard practice.

[Patient007 in reply to Goldfish_]

Thanks for that. I will ask Consultant.

[PeterWh]

If you are not in AF then what's the point of having one? Were there other electrical problems at one time that have gone away?

[Patient007 in reply to PeterWh]

Tanks. I also had atrial flutter which the Cardiologist said was different to AF. I went in as an emergency for that some time ago.

[Bagrat]

The info leaflet on Flecainide on the AF site suggests 6 monthly ECG may be a good thing . I assumed it was to rule out the flecainide causing other arrthymias which apparently it can regardless how long you've been on it. My GP let's me have one when I remember to ask!

[PeterWh in reply to Bagrat]

Good one!!

[Patient007 in reply to PeterWh]

Thanks.

[Patient007 in reply to Bagrat]

I will speak to my GP again. Thanks.

[ruskin10]

Yes, I would. I have an annual review with an AF nurse at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital as well as seen once a year at my local hospital by the cardiologist. Each tiime they do an ECG and every 2 years a herat scan to check the mildy leaking valve. Pat

[Patient007 in reply to ruskin10]

Thanks. I will speak to my GP again.

[ruskin10]

Hello again, it was having had an ECG a month ago that they found my heart was running too slow so reduced my meds, it tells them a lot. Pat

[Patient007 in reply to ruskin10]

Thanks Pat. I will ask my GP again.

[traveler65]

@Patient007 Hi If you are takiing meds for your heart you should have annual checkup with a cardiologist, not a gp. this should include bloodwork, bp, ekg, and an echocardiogram. the bloodwork shouldinclude (aplipoproteins A1 and B, LDL,TC, TG, HDL, and the subfractons of all of these) also NT proTNB-which is an enzyme your left ventricle produces when your heart is irritated, Co Q 10, and red blood cell magnesium levels, homocystein, ferritin,DHEA sulfate, complete thyroid panel(at least once), IL-6

[Patient007 in reply to traveler65]

I know. I had a different Cardiologist last time I went into AF and once it had settled he just referred me back to my GP for care. I do have 6 monthly blood tests for my Kidney Disease though because they put me on anticoagulants.

[PeterWh in reply to traveler65]

With the way things work in the UK you are better off getting most of the test done at the GPs or if not at the hospital two to three weeks in advance of your visit to the cardiologist.

[Patient007 in reply to PeterWh]

Yes I definately I would rather go to my GP for tests. I would think it saves money too for the NHS. I dont care who does the tests aslong as they get done.

[traveler65]

@Patient007 if you QARE TAKING MEDS FOR af, YOU SHOULD HAVE A CONSULTATION WITH A GOOD ELECTRO PHYSIOLOGIST (SPECIALIST IN AFIB) BECAUSE MANY TIMES AFIB HAS NO SYMPTOMS YOU FEEL--DURING THQAT TIME THE AFIB IS CHANGING THE ARCHITECTUER OF YOUR HEART INTO AN UNHEALTHY DIRECTION. yOU DO NOT WANT THE FIRST SYMPTOMS THAT RETURN TO BE WHEN YOU MAY HAVE A MORE PROBLEMATIC SITUATION THAN NOW EXISTS.

[Patient007 in reply to traveler65]

I know. Very difficult getting referred though these days by any GP unless already gone into AF. Next time I will press my personal alarm anyway.

[Goldfish_]

I hope we can all learn to use the NHS resources carefully, wisely and responsibly, bearing in mind the limitations of funding

[Patient007 in reply to Goldfish_]

Yes very true.

[PeterWh in reply to Goldfish_]

Very good reminder to us all.

I think one area that we can be diligent in is medicines and not wasting by ordering too many.

[Patient007]

Yes I agree.

[Goldfish_]

There is a debate whether the NHS should provide good or excellent care, the latter being considerably more expensive. Most here have accepted an ep is a worthy private expense ?how much else