Vascular investigations

[Caitlyn6]

Following referral from gp a cardiologist did an echo which was 55% and said my heart is ok and discharged me but he said my circulation is very sluggish in feet and hands. When he pressed it took 10 seconds for colour to return. Looks like putting to me but he said not. I am exhausted every day, hard to do stuff. Was put on bisoprolol and bp lowish 110/69. GP has requested testing for autoimmune Conditions then he might refer me to vascular investigation. Blood tests were lost by hospital so rebooked for next week. What tests do vascular drs do? My veins in my legs/hands and neck are more prominent recently. Also I had a 6 month wait from GP requesting cardiologist to seeing one so doubting I will be seen by vascular dr until next Spring. Any ideas? Feel like giving up. 😓

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I have PAD (peripheral arterial disease) which is a condition where the arteries of the legs become narrowed in a similar way to coronary arteries. Very rarely does it affect arms. The most common artery affected is the femoral one.

A Doppler test is one of the first things a vascular surgeon usually requests. A trained nurse in your GP practice or a podiatrist can carry this fairly simple test out. It might be worth asking your GP for this.

Other tests can include a CT or MRI scan with dye. Veins are often checked via ultrasound. After all my checks I had balloon angioplasty to the left leg.

As a minimum I think it is worth pushing for the Doppler. Good luck!

[Caitlyn6 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thank you.

[Jils in reply to Caitlyn6]

I too have PAD. I had the Doppler test done by the district nurses. Only had to wait a few weeks. Unlike my cardiologist appointment which was months! Good luck X

[Jannebarn]

The Bisoprolol is probably contributing to your other symptoms, so ask the vascular doctor about that. I was switched to Amidolopine and what a difference it made both to my BP and well-being. I have had a slew of tests, all of which say my heart is very healthy and strong and I don't have heart disease. I have one more blood test for a hormone called aldestrolone (spelling?), and a heart scan in August, which is expected to come back normal. My biggest enemy is stress - my BP goes crazy.

Push for every test they can give you.

[Caitlyn6 in reply to Jannebarn]

Thank you.