Is Warfarin/blood-thinner given by GPs (in UK) for suspected Pulmonary Hypertension - or does it require Hospital scanning first?

[reb_1951]

My situation is, a recent Echocardiogram stated I have "intermediate probability of Pulmonary Hypertension". I had this scan done because I have persistent high systolic-BP (which averages in the 140-150 range). I don't really have any troublesome symptoms other than this high-BP. And the rest of the Echocardiogram looked fine.

At the NHS hospital where this Echocardiogram was performed, the Pulmonary Hypertension doctor has requested: (1) a CT-Thorax, (2) a V/Q scan, and (3) a chest X-ray. (If none of these 3 tests give conclusive-information, then he will consider a Right Side Catheterisation). But these 3 tests which he's requested have a long waiting-list, and so I won't get them done/follow up with him again for another 4 months.

So my question is, if I go to my local GP, are GPs in this country permitted to start their patient on Warfarin (guessing this is still the standard blood-thinner used for PH?) - on the basis that it could address my high-BP via addressing any root-cause Pulmonary Hypertension? Or will my GP have to await the 4 months for the Hospital's scan-results to be completed?

[Katinka46]

Hello again, I have just looked back at your previous posts and see that I replied before. The history of my “possible” PH is extremely complex. Way back in 2013 I was sure that I needed to be back on Warfarin. I’d been on it for pulmonary emboli diagnosed in January 2010. I was taken off it after six months although I knew there was permanent damage in the small blood vessels. I had had echocardiograms that showed mild PH. But I couldn’t get doctors to believe me. So I had a private consultation with a consultant cardiologist, I had previously used him for a private echocardiogram during which he confirmed PH, he also did a jugular vein pressure test which confirmed his diagnosis. So when I saw him in the spring of 2013 I gave him a mini presentation of my history, tests, scans, symptoms. After that he looked a bit pole-axed and said: “Why aren’t you on Warfarin?” “Good question,” I said. So he wrote to my GP and I’ve on it ever since. That probably doesn’t answer your question! But I think a GP would need some kind of nudge from a consultant to prescribe Warfarin. But ask your GP.If it would help please private message me using the system on this forum.

All the best

Kate xx

[reb_1951 in reply to Katinka46]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, it's really kind. I have just private-messaged you

[Bevvy]

Impossible to second guess what gp might do. You should arrange an application and discuss the situation with them. They might be able to speak to consultant and arrange for you to be seen quicker. If not speak to PALS at the hospital and explain how anxious the waiting is and again they may be able to get you earlier appointments. It might be that none of those things expedite your appointments but no harm in trying.

[reb_1951]

Thank you, I think I will speak to my GP first

[Jaybird19]

was listening to radio today on chemical s in some of these foods . I do buy them but can you not cook 2 meals and freeze . one I have one must have _----waitrose green thai curry . both chicken and just the vegetable. ,both very moreish. no rice supplied with it which I prefer. so cook my own rice.

[Jaybird19]

i was gived apixaban after I had two PEs, taken off warfarin after 6 months after first PE and the on apixaban all the time after second PE . now discovered PH and have to go to Wythenshawe cardiac centre this week for echocardiogram. warfarin needs monitoring and apixaban doesn't was what I was told then,

[Pipswhips]

Sorry not sure i know the gp used to prescribe warfarin because of his heart problem but my mum used to go with him to all his appointment so i cant really tell you. Only thing i csn suggest have a word with either your gp or consultant if you have one

[Izb1]

I know my go wouldn't, he is useless and wouldn't even send me for an x ray for my hip, sent me for physio instead. Think I would go with what Katinka suggests x

[bwp91]

I agree; apixaban is the usual these days. But if you need to reduce your BP then I would imagine your GP would give you treatment for that and only the blood thinner as well if he s/he thought you were in danger of getting a stroke or similar. I can’t see why your GP wouldn’t do the prescribing unless they’re playing it safe until you get a proper diagnosis. Good luck with it. B