Heart tests

[ksitbs]

Hi I've been referred to hospital for tests as been getting pains on my chest does anyone know what will happen in these tests

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

If you download the booklet in this link the various tests are described therein. The defaults tend to be an ECG (electrocardiogram), echocardiogram and blood tests. From there a cardiologist will decide on further tests. Most people do not need all the tests going.

[LavenderBee]

Hi ksitbs

Don’t be alarmed by my story - use it to arm yourself for what isn’t always straightforward.

I started back in late May with chest pains upon exerting myself. For the record non smoker, balanced diet and food for the most part cooked from scratch, not overweight and exercising at least 5 times per week. Went to doctors and was immediately diagnosed with hypertension and angina. Referred to hospital for exercise stress test. Had an ecg which was clear. All blood tests cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid function, liver function all showed a clean bill of health. Failed on the stress test but the hospital reassured me that in getting my BP under control I was very low risk. Bit of an administrative cock up saw my next appointment not come through so as I was quite fed up at the lack of progress I paid to see a consultant. He was extremely sure I had cardio syndrome X which is not really treatable if it is diagnosed. Common in postmenopausal females.

He suggested an angiogram explaining that my low risk results meant this would not really happen in the NHS system. I had the angiogram 2 weeks ago and quite scarily he discovered a 99% blockage in my right artery. He had my consent to carry out a procedure and fitted a stent there and then. He was very surprised as I’d been unable to continue with my normal gym routine but had been walking 10km per day just to keep active. On discharge he suggested I’d been far too stoical describing my symptoms. He also said I would only have been accelerated in the NHS when I suffered an ‘event’. Please be firm and if you are falling into the low risk group as I did make sure you pursue things. Three ECGs saw nothing. Angiograms should be available the NHS as they are where the issues can be seen. My lifestyle suggested I was healthy but would have probably taken a heart attack before I was allowed to progress to the angiogram stage. Let us know how you go on. I’m sorry if that sounds poor news but this is the reality I’ve faced. Do take care to push for the NHS to work for you now not after an event.