Cardiologist

[Gardener49]

My husband had a triple bypass in2002. He now is on Rivoroxoban for irregular heartbeat - went down to 38 today. He never sees a Consultant Cardiologist - just a GP who specialises in cardiology. Is this right?

[Chappychap]

I've had a bypass and I've been told the standard long term follow up is an annual check up with your GP including blood and urine tests. You're discharged from the hospital so you don't see the cardiologist.

Of course if you feel something isn't right then you need to report it your GP and take it from there, but in the absence of any reported problem an annual check up is considered adequate.

[Gardener49 in reply to Chappychap]

Really helpful. Thank you

[nymima01]

My mother had a pacemaker put in for heartbeat that went below 38 bpm at times and she would pass out. The pacemaker did not fix her afib however. But the pacemaker set her heart at 60 beats per minute or higher. She sees an EP and a cardiologist for most of this. I do find her geriatric care physician to be of most help too as he is knowledgeable about cardiac issues also.

[Gardener49 in reply to nymima01]

Many thanks for reply. I'm feeling happier about the care he's getting.

[Gardener49]

That's a lot to take in but really useful! Thank you for taking the time to give so much information.

[Ianc2]

Next time he goes to see his GP go with him and take notes. Make sure you tell him of your anxieties and concerns, particularly about the low heart rate. If you think you need to see a cardiologist ask to do so. Unfortunately there are a lot of people around with heart problems at the moment, so you may have to push a bit.