Did you need a stress test before getting Flecainide?

[mjames1]

My new EP won't give me Flecainde for safety reasons because I haven't had a recent stress test. Other than no recent stress test, I have a normal echo and no other indication that I have cardiac disease. I'm 71. Wondering how many out there needed a recent stress test (he recommended a nuclear stress test) before starting on Flecainide, either daily or as a pill-in-pocket approach.

Jim

[BobD Volunteer]

Well done your EP Too many people are just given it. An angiogram is a normal precaution.

[JaneFinn]

Hi Jim, I think it’s great your EP is being careful. My own experience is that my cardiologist (not EP) prescribed me flecainide. I had no stress test or angiogram, though I had had an echo. The cardiologist wrote a letter to my GP - However, my GP refused to prescribe me flecainide and told me to stick to bisprolol only.

When I eventually saw an EP (or rather, his nurse) she said the EP was annoyed I hadn’t taken the flecainide and assured me it was a safe and essential course of action. I was just leaving the appt suitably chastised, when the EP interrupted the nurse to say he had just seen that my most recent monitor downloads had shown ventricular tachycardia and I must never take flecainide...

So I’m very grateful to my GP! And I personally would have any recommended tests that ensure that I’m as safe as possible to take meds But I know many on here haven’t been offered that kind of testing either, and are absolutely fine. (And I’d like to make sure it’s clear, in case anyone is concerned for themselves, that it wasn’t the flecainide that caused my VT, as I hadn’t even taken it!)

Good luck - hope you find you CAN take flecainide as it seems to be a massive help to many. X

[Bagrat]

Can't quite remember the order of events but think I had an exercise ECG a couple of weeks after starting it. Was told by GP when he looked at results it showed "low exercise tolerance" translated, very unfit. Have been on flec ever since 7 years. No further tests apart from me asking for ECG once a year at surgery.