Understanding my GP's message

[thinkingaloud]

I am in permanent AF and taking Edoxaban, Bisoporol and Ramipril. Recently, at my GP's request I wore a 24 hour ECG monitor. Looking at the GP's referral for that on the NHS app it seems she suspected heart failure. Have just had a message from the GP which said ' 24hr ECG reported that the rhythm is in atrial fibrillation but the heart has the overall controlled response. So, we could continue with the current regime'. This sounds like good news but I am wondering if anyone could expand on what this exactly means? Thanks

[Jalia]

If I was you I would ask the GP to explain in plain terms exactly what that means for you.. Sounds like good news but you want to clear up the heart failure business.

[thinkingaloud in reply to Jalia]

Thanks for that. Yes I could do with more communication. I did not know I had been referred until I received the monitor in the post and had to look on the NHS app for the reason

[CDreamer in reply to thinkingaloud]

Sounds to me as though your GP requested secondary care (cardiology) input as to monitoring you. The response seems somewhat bland and agree you want clarification on the heart failure comments.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

I am in AF 100% but on my Diltiazem CCB AM and Bisoprolol 2.5mg BB PM keeps H/R and BP controlled. H/R under 100 so you can have an operation. I have had 2 (not cardiac) within last 18 months. So like you, controlled by meds.

cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)

[Fullofheart]

If the GP is not forthcoming, maybe give BHF a call?

[thinkingaloud in reply to Fullofheart]

Thanks for this - had not thought of that. They were helpful when I rang when first diagnosed

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

And I have no heart failure.

cheri JOY

[Mountainyogini]

call your MD and ask what that means and what treatment options should be considered, and what are the risks and benefits of each one.

[Chinkoflight]

Hi. It sounds better news given the prompt for the tests and it is good to know you are experiencing Afib. I would probably make an appointment to see my GP to talk it through.Do you have the NHS App downloaded? (UK) If this is being used by your local health care teams, it should be, you will have access to the letters and documents passed between the hospital cardiology team and your GP. You can read the report for yourself before you see the GP and perhaps be more specific in your questions.

[thinkingaloud in reply to Chinkoflight]

Thanks for this. I do have the NHS app although do not always understand it but yes good idea for me to contact my GP

[Ppiman]

I think that the rather frightening term "heart failure" means only a reduced ejection fraction one that can be a reversible and variable effect of tachycardia and arrhythmia as well as something that is permanent and which worsens over time, such as congestive heart failure.

The GP's comment seems to suggest all is well apart from the arrhythmia but I would give the surgery a call to ask for clarification.

Steve