Should i see a cardiologist.

[pat40]

I take bisoprolol plus linsinopril and digoxin. my AF seems to come more if i am upset or angry, i have heavy sweats which come and go thro the day. I have never seen a cardiologist and wonder if it would help.

[pip_pip]

Hi.

Assuming you have AF and given the meds you are on I'm surprised it wasn't all prescribed by a cardiologist. I assume you are being treated by GP. ? Most definitely ask to see a cardiologist or an Electrophysiologist (EP) who only treats heart rhythm disorders. Personally I think it pretty bad that any GP would treat this disorder of AF without specialist involvement.

Do it now.

Phil

[pat40 in reply to pip_pip]

Thank you pip, i shall make an appointment tom. x

[CDreamer]

Ditto pip-pip’s reply. Normally GP’s only prescribe beta blockers - unless they are specialist cardiac trained - as per a GP who originally treated me, now retired but who still referred me immediately and fought my corner for better treatment. The problem is that a GP will not have resources available nor be trained in latest thinking and treatment options.

The second problem you may have is a very long wait to see a cardiologist, I know at our local hospital waiting is over 18 weeks for an initial appointment.

Any emotion or stress will trigger and exacerbate AF through the Autonomic Nervous System - fight or flight mechanism and the symptoms you describe which is why so many of us use daily meditation and other relaxation methods to eliminate or lessen the stress response - which does actually work. I recently came across this on YouTube which is a really good, easy starter and specifically for arrythmias.

youtu.be/7mdkCzKP9y4(Not working as expected?)

[10gingercats in reply to CDreamer]

Post just disappeared due to dodgy vision at the moment....cataract op.Thanks CDreamer. Simple but reassuring and calming video that I related to.

[CDreamer in reply to 10gingercats]

Oh sorry about the dodgy vision - hope the cataract removal helps - all the people I know who have had it report fantastic results so wish the same for you. Best wishes.

[meadfoot]

Absolutely you should see a cardiologist specialising in arrhythmia called an electro physiologist EP. You need specialist input and a GP is just that, the clue is in the name General Practitioner not a specialist. Some GPs have special training or special interest in a subject such as cardiologist etc but it doesn't make them specialists in that area so always insist on being referred to an expert in the field.

You have one heart give it the very best care. Best wishes.

[BobD Volunteer]

If you are in UK and your GP is unable to control your AF within one month you have the right to be refereed to an arrhythmia specialists which could be an EP or even an arrhythmia nurse specialist so please go and bang some desks.

[pat40 in reply to BobD]

Thank you Bob. x

[Bridges4]

Hi Pat 40

Your question is for medical practitioners really as none of the people on this site are qualified to make such a decision. You are obviously very worried so do take the time to see your doctor and get referred. Good luck and take care

[pat40 in reply to Bridges4]

Thank you , i will let you know how i get on.

[CDreamer in reply to Bridges4]

I admire your trust in medical practitioners - unfortunately I don’t share your faith. We need to be proactive and informed and I wouldn’t work with a doctor who was reluctant to engage in a joint decision making process. My opinion is based on personal experience of some rather illinformed and incompetent doctors and based on the original post - I would question level of competence.

[Bridges4 in reply to CDreamer]

Pat 40 was not complaining about her GP in her post. I am sorry you have had so many problems with your doctors, perhaps I have just been lucky. Having said that I think all of us need to be aware of best practice in our field and discuss any issues which arise, with our doctor to help nudge them in the right direction. Take care

[CDreamer in reply to Bridges4]

I consider myself very lucky with my healthcare team & have an excellent relationship with them now - but after poor experiences I learned not to just accept what is offered, to ask for explanations, to challenge when required and to be generally proactive rather than passive or reactive. I learned a lot of how to from this site which also gave me the confidence to do this, to ask the right questions & to challenge misinformation. I didn’t take it as a complaint. Best wishes CD

[pat40 in reply to Bridges4]

TA Bridges, if i push at docs, he says bring BP readings for a week all over 200/100. pulse over 100. then we do some thing.

[pat40 in reply to pat40]

I do have a caroted artery blockage in my neck 70%. wondered if thats why i may be difficult to treat.

[Hidden]

Absolutely. ASAP. -be well.