Echocardiogram
I have had persistent AF for two years now,my recent lung X-ray came back abnormal with enlarged heart and water on my lungs.my doctor referred me 3 weeks ago to the hospital for an echocardiogram still haven’t had an appointment through I live in the UK,does it always take so long to hear from them.
Hospitals vary re. timing but I strongly suggest you nudge them, and nudge again if necessary.You cannot afford to 'sit back and wait'.If you can afford to go private do it.
Definitely get on to hospital to make sure your referral has not gone astray . Ask how long the waiting list is as well.
Have you seen a cardiologist at the hospital yet or have you only been seen by a GP? Other than not knowing I had AF, I started like you but my GP sent me to A&E by ambulance. On discharge, I was referred to a cardiologist and received an echocardiogram appointment first. I remember having to wait several weeks and was surprised to get an appointment at 9:30 on a Sunday morning. Sadly, delays are endemic due to pressures on the NHS. I was fortunate in being in the position to be able to go Private and I did so after 5 or 6 months. I’m glad I did.
what have they said about the fluid on your lungs - this should be treated now not let to build up. I have AF and HF and a few years ago had fluid on my lungs, I was hospitalised for five days to get rid of the fluid. Who have you seen about this just your GP or a cardiologist as well. You should push to get something done quickly, are you having any breathing problems because of the fluid.
Cassie
Sounds like you need emergency care. Fluid in the lungs is most likely Congestive heart Failure. This can get worse and result in Pulmonary Edema and permanent heart and lung as well as liver and kidney damage and possible sudden death. Not familiar with the British system, but you need treated before it becomes irreversible. Best of luck.
jsheard , when reading above, please bear in mind that this would be a “worst case scenario” and don’t let it make you more anxious than I assume you are already. 🤭
It does. But Perhaps phone up and enquire.
Thankyou all for your response,I am on Furosemide 80mg just now ,to help with small amount of fluid on my lungs ,also had a blood test and my BNP was 298 I believe the limit should be up to 100,awaiting echocardiogram over ( 3 weeks now ),still get breathless and have to sleep propped up,also a cough which won’t go away,I will phone the GP and hospital and chase the referral .thank you all again.
I am waiting for an echocardiogram, phoned hospital and the wait is 13 weeks at mine! However my first appointments and my monitor were much quicker than usual because I was offered cancellation slots. Sounds like your case is urgent so I would make sure everyone knows, best wishes!
Ecocardiogram is not much more of a procedure than having an xray & it's a joke for some one, especially in your case to have to wait,get on the phone & give em hell !
When I had a recent X-ray it also came up with enlarged heart, this happens often depending on angle. When I had my echocardiogram it it came up OK, according to the person who took the echocardiogram most referrals are from X-rays and most often they are wrong. So hope it is the same for you.
For anyone like me who didn't know what BNP stands for, it is a measure of heart failure - Brain Natriuretic Peptide
Phoned the hospital and I have an appointment down for August 8th, they said I should receive the letter soon,hooray 😁 so it’s taken just over 6 weeks ,thank you all .
An echocardiogram is not a particularly expensive or complex procedure so you should be able to get one without too many problems. I would be inclined to badger my GP until he provides one.
Is an echocardiogram essential?
ECHOCARDIOGRAM RESULTS
TOE echocardiogram 
A second transophical echocardiogram before second ablation.
