checking up

[Alicant]

I’ve been hopefully doing all right things to help HF and AF ..ie dietary , alcohol, exercise and medications 4 pillars plus.. Would it be normal to expect some tests eg..Echo, ECG, Cardio check, scans etc to see how things are going ..maybe improving???Im still here so very grateful for that..wondered how I was doing?

[Lezzers]

Depending on what has caused your HF if you're in the UK routine echos, ECG's, scans etc aren't usually carried out unless your condition worsens, you become more symptomatic, or there's a reason for the tests to be carried out i.e, before an operation. My husband has HF due to damage caused by a massive heart attack, I asked his cardiologist why he doesn't have regular echoes etc & was told there is no point as it wouldn't change how he is treated. You should however be having annual blood tests because of the meds you're taking. A NT-proBNP blood test is used initially as a diagnostic tool if HF is suspected. If you already have a HF diagnosis some drs will occasionally use the test as a guide to how your heart is doing but it doesn't really tell them too much. You could ask your Dr if they would do this test though.

Hope this helps

[Alicant in reply to Lezzers]

Thankyou..I can see and understand what your saying…very comprehensive answer..I hope your husband ..is doing ok..take care both