Echocardiogram: Has everyone had an... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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Echocardiogram

lindyloo59 profile image
24 Replies

Has everyone had an echo done as part of the treatment/assessment for AF

Thanks

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lindyloo59
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24 Replies
doodle68 profile image
doodle68

Hi lindyloo59 :-) I had one last year , it was a painless not unpleasant procedure a bit like having an ultrasound during pregnancy , It took about half an hour.

Yes, after I was diagnosed I went down this route as part of a range of tests on my cardiac system to determine state of my heart.

From this they determined my left atria had been damaged which would predispose me to further AF events and strokes.

John

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

Hi Lindy, yes it's quite normal to have an echo carried out once you go into the care of a cardiologist or EP. They show if the heart is physically working properly. I've had several and all have been fine, with just a slightly leaky mitral valve being diagnosed and apparently that's quite common and of no great importance as we grow older.

Have you been given an appointment for one?

Jean

lindyloo59 profile image
lindyloo59 in reply tojeanjeannie50

No not yet even when my husband was admitted last week with racing heart rate they just prescribed metoprolol ti bring heart rate with no further action action was planned fir him which is absolutely disgusting. I had to ring hosp up myself and literally beg for an appt to see a cardiologist. We have appt to see one this monday coming cant wait!!

Linda

lindyloo59 profile image
lindyloo59 in reply tolindyloo59

He had an echo few tears to check things out. He had heart surgery 12 years ago now for aortic valve replacement mechanical and mitral and tricuspid repair

Lunda

Finvola profile image
Finvola

Hello lindyloo - yes I had an echo at diagnosis to ensure that my heart was structurally normal. I found it interesting to look at my beating heart but I did find the pressure on the probe occasionally uncomfortable.

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot

Yes I have had a couple over the years, routine procedure and nothing to fear. I welcome having one as they are extremely beneficial in the diagnosis and treatment regime. Completely painless and similar to a baby scan during pregnancy.

Peddling profile image
Peddling

Yes I have had several, in fact have another programmed for next month.

Wightbaby profile image
Wightbaby

Yes....and just got appt through for my next routine check one......September this year!

lindyloo59 profile image
lindyloo59 in reply toWightbaby

Hi are you private or NHS?

Wightbaby profile image
Wightbaby in reply tolindyloo59

NHS......and I had to tell my GP that my consultant suggested an "echo" every 18 months - 2 years was a good idea (to check for any changes). I had to push for this

My experience is, if you don't ask, you often don't get. I was amazed to receive the aforementioned appt without having to chase, esp the way our hospital is going at the mo .........( in special measures).

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

Yes when I was originally being assessed. I believe it is part of the protocol of clinics as some people who have AF have underlying conditions which can show up on an echocardiogram.

etheral profile image
etheral

An echocardiogram should be part of the work up fr afib. If it is not ordered, insist on it.

lindyloo59 profile image
lindyloo59 in reply toetheral

Will do many thanks

CaroleF profile image
CaroleF

Yes. I've had one too during a short stay on a Coronary Care Unit. Simple and like an ultrasound scan during pregnancy. A useful tool in the cardiologist's/EP's diagnostic kit.

However, I've never had another and am interested to hear that others have had one as part of a routine check up.

Yes Lindyloo, as others have said, should be normal practice but unfortunately, not always the case.

lindyloo59 profile image
lindyloo59 in reply to

Not good then perhaps better when you are private

in reply tolindyloo59

not really, if an echo isn't suggested then, unfortunately, you have to ask for one and not be fobbed off.....

lindyloo59 profile image
lindyloo59 in reply to

Ok thanks will do that 😀

AnneTS profile image
AnneTS

Yes. I have had quite a few. I always have one after an ablation, just before discharge. It is a painless scan of the heart by a technician as you lie on a bed. Annel

EngMac profile image
EngMac

Dr. Sanjay Gupta has done a YouTube video on echos that you could find helpful.

JeanetteH profile image
JeanetteH

Ive had several and they are painless just an ultrascan.I also had exercise test where they do an ecg and monitor your blood pressure while you walk/run on a treadmill.This was done after echo cardiogram.

Pam296 profile image
Pam296

Hi. Yes I had one along with a 7 day monitor. Cardioligist said it was normal practise to check heart structure before prescribing any medication.

lindyloo59 profile image
lindyloo59 in reply toPam296

Thanks 😀

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