I was wondering if anyone could advise me about my mother. She has severe/very severe COPD and has been on steroids on and off for some time. In the last months she has become very weak and after calling her Doctor found out that there was a report from the hospital, written last October, which said she had abnormalities with her heart, which she hadn't been told about. Her BP has also risen. Has anyone else had a similar experience and if so what medication have you been given? I would like her to see a private cardiologist, but am not 100% sure if this is the correct person to go to. Any advice would be most welcome.
Written by
anng1814
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Thank you. I've told my mum and looked up some heart consultants for her to see. What was irritating today was that her dr's surgery said that I could pick up her notes from her last hospital visit and there were no results on them. It is so stupid that the hospitals and GPs do not communicate with each other. You would think that we are living in the dark ages. I've had the same experience with respiratory nurses. None of them seem to have the previous spirometer readings. It should be so simple, but they make it so complicated and stressful!
I have just had some experience of something similar.
My husband who has severe emphysema was taken ill in Switzerland with a nasty viral infection. He was in for 9 weeks and had lots of investigations, treatments etc . One of the procedures he had was an electrocardiograph which scans the heart.
He's been told previously that his heart was fine but the scan showed he had a weakness on the right side of his heart which is the side linked to the lungs. The doctor told him not to worry too much as this is due to the lungs not working efficiently. No medication was required. If he improves the condition of his lungs it will address the heart issue and to do this it's the usual exercise, eat well, stay away from infections etc He has also been put on oxygen which I understand protects the heart too.
If the abnormalities are on the right side of your mum's heart it could be the same as my husband's condition. Ask the doctor to explain it to you.
Thank you for replying. What you say makes a lot of sense. I do believe that with the right diagnosis and medication my mother would feel a lot better, but the medical profession , within the UK, sometimes seems to operate against itself, at the expense of patients well being. I certainly would take my mother to Switzerland if she was able to go, but I do believe that if there was a bit of co-operation among the medical profession all could be resolved relatively cheaply and make my mother feel a lot better.
My late husband Bob had heart failure (an enlarged heart) as a consequence of trying to push through his breathlessness with severe COPD, and died of a heart attack. His heart problem was not treated but the angina he also suffered from was, with an under the tongue spray. That was back in the late 90s to 2003, so treatments should have improved now.
I am lucky enough to be able to see the Coronary care nurse and the Respiratory nurse and both seem to be able to work together. I have attended both the coronary and the respiratory rehab courses. You didn't say where you live but If you live in the UK you shouldn't have much difficulty to do the same
My mum is in the UK and the coronary and respiratory section of the hospital is in the same area. However, I'm unsure how closely they work together. I'll try and find out.
So sorry to hear that your Mum has problems with her heart, I cant advise on this but will say that when my Mum had similar problems, we as daughters have to push for what they need. The nhs is a wonderful system but so far behind the times its almost in the dark ages. I had to go through mums meds with every doctor we saw, who in turn wrote everything down on a piece of paper instead on looking at the computer and updating. Ask her gp for a referral to the hospital who in turn should do an echo cardiagram and will put her on the correct medication. I hope she gets better soon, take care. Irene x
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Bronchiectasis and ill health retirement 
Long lungs
My mum
SSLC -Chemo with bad heart and an ICD
Emergency pack usage
