Lack of Cardiac Care

[ericzed]

Hi, my name is Eric and I had a heart attack in October 2015. One of my arteries was calcified and I had a stent fitted in December 2015.

I went to see the cardiologist in March 2016 I think it was and have not been since. I personally feel that we as cardiac patients need to be seen and followed up on yearly. My GP has told me that this does not happen anymore, I have to go see her instead. I am not happy about this and was wondering if this is the case all over the UK or just in East Anglia.

I feel that I need to see a cardiologist regularly just like I would think most of us here do.

[anke123]

Hi Eric, welcome to our forum. I had a stent fitted in April 2015 and have seen the cardiologist only since then when I had another problem. I live in the West Midlands so it is not only in East Anglia where this happens. I would be good to have a regular checkup but suppose the NHS is under to much strain for that.

I am sure you will soon have lots more replies to this post and will be interesting to see other people comments.

Hope you are keeping well.

[Berylsmum]

Hi there. I live in Lancashire & had cardiac arrest then 2nd heart attack 7 weeks later in 2012. Firstly, had stent fitted but then CABG after 2nd MI. Care in Blackpool was exemplary & good local rehab classes subsequently. But, like yourself, I was seen only once again by Blackpool & once by a local cardiologist to prescribe heart medication. But since 2012, it has been monitoring by GP only. I agree it is very anxiety provoking without even a yearly cardiac MOT !. I must say that on the few occasions I've attended the local A & E with any vague associated symptoms , I have been seen immediately & given a thorough check up. I wish you well.

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi Eric, evening and welcome. Afraid I'm in the same boat as are countless others. The follow up us now your GP, I'm in Essex. There are others on here who do see a cardiologist on an ongoing basis but they still have issues

[Heather1957]

I am not sure how things are here in S.Wales as I was referred to a different health authority for a bypass and since been discharged from there and don't know what else to expect.

I will say that although I had my operation over 13 weeks ago I have had my cardiac physio assessment cancelled twice and have yet to be given a new date and really had very little follow up.

Obviously I do need some cardiac therapy but not sure what further appointments with the cardiac surgeon would do? As long as I feel okay I don't know what seeing the cardiologist would do?

We do need to check our heart rate and blood pressure but that can be done by the practice nurse at the GP's surgery.

Am I missing anythng?

[Hidden]

Hi Eric,

Cardiac care is fundamentally a part of the Primary Care programme so ongoing Hospital Care post intervention is no longer standard. Where there are complex conditions the Hospital consultant remains the lead.

This isn't all budgetary, with miniaturisation of equipment and central testing resources the same after care service can be delivered locally by a GP clinic. This allows for continuity of care and provides 3, 6 and 12 monthly reviews.

It is important to talk to your GP about follow up and support as they can ensure you are in contact with Cardiac lead in the practice immediately.

[Hidden]

Hi Eric - this is pretty much the case across the UK. We tend to save vital cardiology appointments in the consultants' clinics for when someone needs that level of expert review. Follow up after successful treatment is usually easily managed by the GP, who you can see at least annually for a general health check. If necessary they can easily refer you back to the cardiologist if your condition changes or worsens.

Out of interest, what is it that you (or any of you) feel you need to see a cardiologist regularly for?

Thanks, Chris

[anke123 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Chris, I have been given this some thought and I think people would just like some reassurance that all is well. I did have a follow up appointment cancelled and if I had gone would have said everything is fine. I did get an other appointment 2 months later and I did have problems again then, so that time it was more useful.

I am lucky at my GP that I always get an appointment same day if I ask for one and get annual blood tests. Hospitals are realy only for more serious conditions.

I think this site is very useful and helpful, so thanks.

Anke