How often should you get an echocardiogram and stress test

[Slattery]

I was diagnosed with Afib last March 2016, I had an echocardiogram at that time and a stress test which were normal. How often should I get an echocardiogram and stress test?

[Rellim296]

I had an echocardiogram in 2010 and had another a few years later (probably 2014) but nothing recently.

I've never had a stress test.

[10gingercats in reply to Rellim296]

That is interesting Rellim 296.I started anticoags. in 2010 and apart from seeing my GP re. AF from time to time I have not had another echo. or hospital checkup.Perhaps a bit lax me thinks?

[Rellim296 in reply to 10gingercats]

I'm not so sure. An echo can reveal what the state of play is and if there are no signs of a problem perhaps there's no need for the echo.

[Hidden]

If by stress test you mean a Bruce Protocol test then there shouldn't be a need to do another unless problems are detected. If you have cardio fitness through runiing, cycling, swimming, rowing, you needed to have mentioned that at the time of the stress test so that they could prolong it.

[Paper65]

I was told everyone two years

[seasider18 in reply to Paper65]

I only get one every two years after my aortic valve replacement and have never have had one at the hospital where my AF is supposedly treated. As the hospitals are in different areas their computers don't communicate with each other.

[BobD Volunteer]

There are currently no NICE guidelines that I know of defining what tests and frequency should be done other than some blood tests when on NOACS and some drugs like dronadarone or amiodarone.

My surgery does annual blood pressure monitoring as well as kidney function and lipids but I think that is age related rather than specific to AF.

[Buffafly]

I have only had an echo when there was a reason - first episode of AF, then later when I had more episodes before I was put on regular medication, then after my ablation.

[Bagrat]

I had an echo and exercise ECG on diagnosis.2011 nothing since. I ask for an annual ECG because on flecainide but sometimes forget!