What tests did you have when on heart meds long term?

[PatrickMcC]

Hi all,

just wondering, what tests do you guys get when you are on a heart med for more than 6 months? I was on Flecainide and Coreg for three years and had no follow up at all and I am wondering is that normal?

Thanks for the input

Patrick

[Hidden]

Hi Patrick

Like you on heart medication for 4 years with no follow up. It is only recently I have discovered I should have an annual kidney and liver check when taking Dabigatran.

Di

[Fenderman]

Hi ive had af for over 5 years and been on medication since being diagnosed.apart from seeing an ep 2 years ago ive had no follow up or any tests done.it seems to me out of sight out of mind!!!

One cardiologist did say you should have another appointment at the af clinic but it never materialised

Regards Richard

[cassie46]

Hi Patrick

It seems to vary a great deal, some are well looked after and some seem to be left to it. I do normally get a yearly out patients appointment for the cardiac clinic at my local hospital (had AR for 4 years now) first year was every 3 months. If you are taking a anti-coagulant you should have a yearly blood test for kidney and liver function. My GP said they would do it yearly and advise me but they donn't - so I keep a note myself and just ask the surgery to arrange a blood test which they do. Have you ever had an appointment with a cardiologist, if not you should get this arranged or an EP would be even better, your GP can arrange this.

Generally I think a fair percentage of people get yearly follow ups.

Cassie

PS - thanks for your reply to my post re carvedilol.

[angell1950]

I went to my GP and asked about blood test while taking bisoprolol, ramipril and apixaban : I go every six months for blood tests to check liver and kidney functions : I thinks taking any strong drugs have an effect on your body : they may help one part of the body (heart) at the expense of another.

[secondtry]

My Cardio just told me no need to have a regular echocardiogram unless other clinical issues or symptoms, I have Lone PAF.

[sleeksheep]

I have a blood test every six months for kidney / liver function and also had a echocardiogram which showed my atrium were completely normal.

I dont have any other follow ups besides the blood tests now since the all clear on the ultrasound.

[offtherecord]

Hi Patrick,

Like second try no one has suggested a blood test to me since I began anticoagulants 17 months ago, despite problems I had with my initial DOAC. I'm glad you raised this as reading the posts I realise others do get checked . I'm interested in the replies and will ask at my severely stretched surgery, . It seems hit and miss , not ideal.

[Bagrat]

I'm on flecainide and warfarin and get an annual ECG at surgery if I remember to ask. Just had one after an 18 month gap. That's it apart from INRs. Discharged from cardio in 2013. On flec since 2011

[Hidden in reply to Bagrat]

Bagrat

May I ask why your GP orders an annual ECG? is is related to the Flec?

[Bagrat in reply to Hidden]

Its not the GP really. The info re flecainide on the AFA site suggests an ECG every 6-12 months so I ask!!

[Jollies]

I remembered seeing on my script a note saying annual blood tests required, so I just see the gp and ask for them. Don't know why I can't just go straight to the nurse and do this though as it would say an apt, but saying that he does check my blood pressure, pulse etc x

[Peddling]

I see my cardio every six months and the EP annually unless I have a problem. ECGs are routine each time. Annual blood tests from the GP surgery who send an invite. I think over a certain age we are all supposed to be offered this. In addition I can ask for blood tests if I have any concerns re my health.