nsure where to go from here (palpitations)

[ian_md]

Hi, suffered dizziness for a year, nothing apparent on bloods, then last Saturday, out of nowhere, during a chilled activity, I start getting palpitations, roughly one every minute. They lasted 2 days, leading up to the point of constant, taking my breathe away so went to A&E. By the time they'd taken bloods and run an ECG it had settled and 8 hours in a plastic chair, I was sent home (to much relief). The past 3 days I've had very few occurances, but when it happens, if I put me hand to my chest, I can feel my heart take an extra beat, or miss one. my doctor, friends and family have all just told me to chill out and must be stress. I'm getting no where. My chest still feels tight, and can see my pulse in my left wrist and chest, it seems regular with occasional flutter. There is history of heart attacks in family, my dad at 65, and two of his brothers, 1 died instantly at 65, the other had a life time of surgeries before his demise in his 50's, so naturally I'm concerned. Any guidance appreciated? I have no private insurance and my doctor said I'll wait 1 month for a 24 hour ECG and 12 months for a consultant. A private consultant will cost me £200 for 15 minutes! Worth it?

[meadfoot]

Its definitely worth paying to see a cardiac specialist. Please see someone without delay. Never mind people saying its stress, well it may be but until your heart has been checked out by a specialist you cant know.

Especially with a family history its wise to get a thorough check. Im the meantime go to again to a and e if symptoms persist.

[LBCdance]

In principle I'm against going private because I remember so well the NHS coming in and have always supported it (worked 27 years in the NHS), but as I live alone and have no relatives in the UK I am responsible for myself (am also more aware of how preckious time is now!)so I did see a cardiologist privately after being in the local hospital with HF and getting nowhere when discharged. Do not regret it and that definitely expedited my eventual treatment and valve replacement. At least you should get you full expert attention for those 15 minutes and the information you need. Good luck.

[Pulsar177]

Hi Ian. Go see the private cardiologist. If only to get some reassurances. The NHS. are under severe pressure right now with the Covid situation. I have and was so glad. Money well spent. Wish you well.

[Qualipop]

No experience of cardiac private consults but when I was told there would be a 12 month wait just for the pain clinic when I couldn't even stand up for unbearable spinal pain, I paid £200 to see a neurosurgeon. Best thing I ever did. Not only could I choose who I saw, he admitted me instantly, there and then on his NHS list

[OAPjust]

100% go for the private consultation, I did, paying £200, worth every penny. He wrote his findings to my GP.

[Blue21p]

Definitely worth a private consultation, and you'll probably get far more than 15 minutes. I did, and without it I would not have had my condition diagnosed. It was literally a lifesaver.