Echocardiogram

[lindyloo59]

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

Thanks

[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.

[Hidden]

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]

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 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

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 in reply to lindyloo59]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Wightbaby]

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

[lindyloo59 in reply to Wightbaby]

Hi are you private or NHS?

[Wightbaby in reply to lindyloo59]

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]

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]

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

[lindyloo59 in reply to etheral]

Will do many thanks

[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.

[Hidden]

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

[lindyloo59 in reply to Hidden]

Not good then perhaps better when you are private

[Hidden in reply to lindyloo59]

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

[lindyloo59 in reply to Hidden]

Ok thanks will do that 😀

[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]

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

[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]

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 in reply to Pam296]

Thanks 😀