Seeing a cardiologist tomorrow

[lettingoffsteam]

Well I see the cardiologist tomorrow for the first time.When I was admitted to A&E in March with stratospheric bp I was totally overseen by rheumatology as their consultant was on duty that day.Anyway I've had some strange burning feelings in the chest, back and arms since I've been on meds and some palpitations and arrhythmias as well.I've got a mildly thickened left ventricle and mild thickening of the aortic and mitral valves.Anyway the GP referred me ages ago to perhaps review my meds and my case generally. The burning feeling has virtually gone now but I still get the palpitations so I'm not sure I want to change now especially as my bp is OK at the moment.I'm really nervous about this visit sure my bp will soar as a result.Any pointers in what I should ask whilst there?

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi lettingoffsteam

Even after 7 years and knowing my Cardiologist really well my usually normal BP and heart rate go up at a clinic appointment.

I just don't like hospitals.

I suggest you write down any questions you may have.

Arrive in good time. Sit down listen to some music, read a book or sit quietly and do some breathing and relaxation techniques.

I take my knitting with me it keeps my hands busy calms my mind 🧘‍♀️

[lettingoffsteam in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank Milkfairy, I'll take your advice.My husband is taking me so that helps but they are redoing the hospital car parks so all is chaos apparently.I've started on a list which I asked my GP to advise me on so I'll have another look at that.I'll be glad when it's all over!

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to lettingoffsteam]

I hope it all goes well

[lettingoffsteam in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks🙂

[Clerkenweller]

Write down your symptoms and the matters which are concerning you. Also try to write down the answers you are given. I tend to forget them! You’ll be fine.

[lettingoffsteam in reply to Clerkenweller]

Thanks Clerkenweller for your advice and encouragement.

[Thecyclist]

Good luck with your appointment, let us know how it goes. Don't get too worried about it, your BP will be up in the appointment, it's guaranteed, but as long as its OK it home then it will be fine.

I had a check up yesterday with my consultant and mine was up! Was fine at home though. I have had lots of palpitations and ectopics since the weekend and ended up having an ECG there and then, and nothing showed up, really frustrating. All stress related I am sure for me.

Anyway my med's have been upped to try and stop them, I hope that it works .

Best off luck today! You'll be great I am sure!

[lettingoffsteam in reply to Thecyclist]

Thanks Thecyclist I need to talk about my palpitations for sure.Will let you know how it goes.

[Prada47]

Only advice I can offer is Leave Early Being late is a real Stress point for me,

[lettingoffsteam in reply to Prada47]

Definitely and thanks.

[Qualipop]

If you can take a record of your BP readings with you to give to him, it would stop him from "assuming" you still have high BP. I have white coat syndrome. Even when I feel calm about seeing doctors my BP shoots up. Go early, take a drink with you so you can sit and relax before your appointment and no matter what he does, do not leave until he's answered all your questions..

[lettingoffsteam in reply to Qualipop]

Thanks Qualipop , I have a list of recent home readings and a list of questions on my GPs advice. Will let you know.

[seasider18]

If you BP is normally over 168/?? you are entitled to be referred to a 'hypertension referral centre' They are part of kidney units in major hospitals.

[lettingoffsteam in reply to seasider18]

Well it's come right down now but not when measured by a doctor.It was 244/133 originally but at home averaging 125/80 now on ramipril and amlodipine 5mg each.

[seasider18]

Strange how high it can go. My GP now accepts my home readings and last week for the first time the consultant at the hypertension centre did as well. Just after mid day my average of three readings was 130/72 73 but first thing this morning after a poor nights sleep it was 181/91 62.

I have had ones similar to yours. Strong medication makes little difference to ones like that apart from giving you side effects and I now only take 12.5 mg losartan morning and night.

[lettingoffsteam in reply to seasider18]

Well my readings are all really good at home apart from odd stressful blip very occasionally but nowhere near where they were.The consultant didn't tell me what it was but said it was high.Last time I had it done at hospital it was 155/95 so not great but not immediately life threatening.The medical.people all feel that my bp is caused largely by anxiety but I'm not sure that's entirely correct.Either way hopefully I'll get sorted.

[seasider18]

No point in him just saying it was high. That leaves you wondering.

[lettingoffsteam in reply to seasider18]

Yes I know but I'm having the 24 hour bp recorder so I'll hear about that.Mind you, not looking forward to it going off every hour at night.😕

[seasider18]

Once it went off for the first time I just lay there waiting for the next one.

[lettingoffsteam in reply to seasider18]

Ha ha did you? I'm going to try to do normal things but I'm not sure what results it will bring.I hope I don't need more meds though.I think the consultant thinks it will.show how relaxed I am at times.

[seasider18 in reply to lettingoffsteam]

It always goes off at awkward times. The first one was fitted and we went shopping. I'm then standing on the bus holding two heavy bags when it went off for the first time. Later I get to the gate and holding two in one hand as I lift the latch and off it goes,

[lettingoffsteam in reply to seasider18]

Oh no, I wouldn't want it to go off then!🤣