Gemma Atkinson did a ITV programme that showed her having a Full Heart MOT, is there a technical name for it, or anyone know the companies that offer it?
Full Heart MOT: Gemma Atkinson did a... - British Heart Fou...
Full Heart MOT
Written by
Jules1821
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
41 Replies
•
Interested to know, too, as I've requested it multiple times since my MIs 3 years ago, and was basically told that the NHS doesn't do anything like that. I hate knowing that they'd rather just wait for me to have another one than give me a once-over to make sure that I'm on the right track with everything and doing OK.
I basically only got somewhere with it after my umpteenth trip to the A&E, and my new GP referred me to the chest pain clinic. Theres such a massive backlog with cardiac patients, though, so I'm in the queue for an appointment because it isn't deemed critical.
in reply to The_Voice
It is very difficult to comment without knowing anything about you or your health/medication/diet/exercise states and levels. If you have had one or more MI's then you would have been diagnosed and treated appropriately at the time and recommendations made as to the probable cause and what both the NHS and you yourself could do in future?
The_Voice in reply to
Yes, agreed, which is why after 3 years I want an MOT. Mainly for peace of mind, and for someone with my history it shouldn't be too much to ask after this long. Prevention is better than cure, after all. I'd rather I get checked out when I'm feeling "OK" and they then find something, than wait for another MI before they do something about it.
in reply to The_Voice
I understand the way you feel, believe me, most people on here feel the same way. I am sure there is not one of us who does not set out on a walk, run, shopping trip, whatever it might be at whatever level we can, that does not have that nagging little sod on their shoulder from time to time (or all the time) telling them "this could be the day matey". Unfortunately this is life with CHD. How would you feel if you failed the MOT, despite doing your best to do all the right things? Personally I have done everything I can to try and head off a HA in the future, and I mean everything. Every time I set off on a run, It is in my mind, but you can't just sit around doing nothing on the assumption that every day might be your last. There are thousands of people who have exactly the same problems but as yet not diagnosed, ticking time bombs in other words. Lets be honest in the current climate you are not going to get an "MOT" courtesy of the NHS are you, there is a massive backlog of cancer patients and so on waiting for treatment. Like I said all you can do is you bit to the best of your ability, and just cross your fingers, or go private. Even if the private tests were all OK, it still does not mean you will never have another HA. Bye the way what sort of prevention measures are you doing if I may ask? I am not having a dig, but these in themselves can help you to feel a bit better about things.
The_Voice in reply to
Gym three times a week (cardio and weight-lifting), smoke-free since the MIs, have a couple of drinks maybe once a month (if that), no longer eat processed food where possible, take my maintenance medication like clockwork, etc.
I just think it's a bit off that we're required by law to have our cars MOTed every single year, even if there's nothing apparently wrong with them, but when it comes to our hearts we're just sort of expected to get on with it after a major incident, "fingers crossed".
All I'm asking for is for a cardio specialist to give me a once-over and either say "you're all good, keep doing what you're doing, the worst of it is behind you now" or "hang on, x and y don't look good, maybe try z from now on, and report to your GP how things are going". ANYTHING.
The fact that we get NOTHING after the cardiac rehab is frankly shocking. And yes, a lot of it IS psychological - thinking about nothing but my own death for nearly 2 years after had a profound affect on me and my relationships. I was thankfully referred for CBT to help me with it, and have greatly improved, though there is still something lingering in the back of my mind. Apparently mental health issues after cardiac events have become such a major problem that they're now setting up specialised programs to help people deal with it.
in reply to The_Voice
I understand where you are coming from, honestly, and I am not trying to criticise you or appear condescending in any way and I apologise if I am - I know different people are able to cope with things differently and some find it harder than others, but at the end of the day it IS down to you, and you have to be realistic, particularly at the moment. At the end of the day there is only so much they can do - if the cardiologist did give you a "once over" (not quite sure what you mean by that, they can't and won't give you a routine angiogram for example) and it was all OK relatively (Lets face it, it is not going to be as good as someone who has not had CHD), then you would probably feel that you needed another one in a couple of years. You have to admit that smoking has quite probably contributed to your condition, and quitting it is the best thing you could have done. Not smoking in the first place would have been better, it is not as if we have not had it very clearly impressed upon us over the years? I have admitted to myself my diet prior to my problems was probably a big contributory factor, and have dramatically modified it, that is all I can do, other than getting as much exercise as possible and keeping as fit as possible. I also have a family history of CHD but I can't do anything about that and worrying about it will not help. I accept I am not a person who is brimming over with sympathy as regards the mental health side of things, I know some people struggle, we all do, but at the end of the day you have to just find other ways to deal with it, there is no magic cure, it is what it is, loads of people have all manner of health issues way worse than me. A lot of people will not even be able to get CBT at the moment for obvious reasons, the cardiac Rehab is designed to make you aware of what you need to do for the rest of your life, there is only so much hand holding that can be provided because there are so many of us, and yes we do have to just get on with it I am afraid. For me, I just accept that the NHS has done a fantastic job of patching me up and pointing me in the right direction, now I just have to get on with it, if you go to the gym regularly, go more regularly at time when you are feeling down, the more you do it the more confidence you will have, but the fact is none of us will ever be rid of this disease so we have to make the most of it, at least you CAN go to the gym? The cardiologist cannot tell you that you are going to be fine for the rest of your days, you have to just get on with it? Good luck, we all need a bit of it.
The_Voice in reply to
All fair points. My CBT was done over Zoom (as most things have been for the past 18 months). A psychologist once said that our brains automatically filter out thoughts of our own deaths because we'd obsess about them otherwise, and I can tell you from experience, it's true! 😂 The CBT definitely helped me through that, especially where every slight pain or twinge in my chest had me thinking, "oh God, this is the one".
As for smoking, yes, it's the one factor they say contributes to it every time, but I also lost both parents to MIs, so family history also played a major part.
Honestly, it's been 3 years and I just want to know that I can get on with the rest of my life, doing what I'm currently doing, that I'm on the right track, etc. If that means having a "once over" or "MOT" (by which I mean a stress test, ECG, etc), I don't think it's too much to ask. I don't think the fact that I haven't dropped dead should be used as an indication that my heart is 100% fine and I have nothing to worry about again, either.
in reply to The_Voice
I think Milkfairy's comments are very valid and on the same lines as some of mine. Unfortunately, we are where we are, and that's just life, at least we are still here. The workload on the NHS at present means that it IS too much to ask, if everyone wanted the same treatment it would keel over within weeks, that's not to say you are being unreasonable, it's just how it is, you have to be practical. You could apply the "fact I have not dropped dead yet" argument to people who have no idea they have got CHD - yet. Personally I do my own stress test, every time I put my running gear on, I think "here we go then matey, fingers crossed" but I know in reality that I will probably be OK, just like the last time, and that the alternative is to sit around wallowing in a bit of self pity (I am not saying you are). When I come back I feel great - sure I sometimes feel a bit creaky if I have pushed myself a bit too hard, but I'm 63. I went on plenty of runs before I knew I had CHD that were probably a lot more dangerous than they are now. You have to face the fact that you might well drop dead one day, like lots of other folks, personally I would sooner conk out doing something I enjoy than festering away in an old folks home going gaga but that's just me, you have to just get on with life?
The_Voice in reply to
I'm only 41 (38 when I had my 4 MIs over 3 days), so I still have a LOT more living that I want to do. I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that I'm on the right track to keep doing it.
No disrespect meant to you because of your age by the way. I actually use older survivors on here as my motivation (I recall seeing a post from someone who had an MI back in the 80's and is still active).
in reply to The_Voice
There you go then. Life is unpredictable and you have had a bit of a bad card, but you should take solace from the fact you are doing everything right, and that is all you can do. If you can chuck lumps of Iron around in the Gym you will probably be fine in day to day life - I'm not sure if there is any medical foundation in that but I reckon it's worth a bit of reassurance.
in reply to The_Voice
As a bit of a footnote, personally I hate weights but I do do a bit now and again. I think a mixture of cardio and weights is probably the best idea but you might want to consider getting into running to keep your cardiovascular system in good shape, do you have a local park run? They are a great way of doing something regular.
The_Voice in reply to
I only do compound lifts (squat, deadlift, etc), which are quite good for overall conditioning (you use multiple muscles at once, and increase your heart rate). Cardio for me is things like biking and rowing, because I absolutely hate running, except if a football is involved.
My local hospital did have a Cardiac Psychologist, they left last year.The post still has not been filled for 18 months.
Psychological support is so important.
I live with non obstructive coronary artery disease. I am still at risk of a heart attack, stroke, heart failure and major cardiac events.
I feel like a ticking time bomb. I end up in hospital for a week about once a year, when my vasospasms get worse.
So far I have always got into hospital in time for my IVI GTN, to stop a bad episode of coronary vasospasms, which could cause damage to my heart.
All my Cardiologist can offer is a review of my medications every 6 months, and the back up of a hospital admission.
It is very much over to me to manage my symptoms the best I can at home. This I have done for 9 years.
No cardiac rehab because I don't fit the criteria.
Just a thought, my husband had an almost completely occluded major coronary artery which was not picked up by the usual tests.
My brother law the same, he had a massive heart attack and cardiac arrest after passing his stress test will flying colours.
That's terrible, I hope you're all on the mend.
Given the fact that we've seen super fit sportsmen drop on the field on live TV due to cardiac events, I guess it's down to a lottery at the end of the day?
Who's Gemma Atkinson when she's at home?
She used to act in Emmerdale and is now a minor celeb who pops up now and again. Unmemorable.
in reply to
😂😂😂
MichaelJHHeart Star
Hello and welcome to the forum!
The term full heart MOT is my view fairly meaningless. I saw the headline where she was going to have a full heart MOT because het father died young of a heart attack. My own father, his brother and their father all died prematurely from heart attacks and yet I had no checks apart from my routine diabetic ones before I developed angina! In fact when I raised the issue I was told that my blood pressure and cholesterol were fine. Then when I requested a blood test for genetic marker I was told that it was just a researchy type test.
Anyway on to your question. Basically I think it needs to start full set of blood tests to check your cholesterol, HbA1c (indication of pre-diabetes or diabetes), liver function, thyroid function, etc. Alongside this your BP should also be checked. Moving on from this the starting point is usually an ECG. If this is normal I think it should be followed up by an exercise ECG and echocardiogram. I am dubious in the current climate if you requested these under the NHS with no symptoms they would be done anytime soon. Beyond these tests that are numerous other tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, nuclear scans, etc. but in reality these are determined by what has come before so I suggest you ask initially for the basics. From their response you may have to go privately if you don't want to wait (my ECG is over a year late). The bloods, ECG and echocardiogram should not be overly expensive. Good luck!
Private ECG was around £60, Echo cost around £400 both at the Nuffield.. MRI and Nuclear scans are around £800 (Papworth)..
in reply to MichaelJH
I would imagine many private healthcare providers could do this for any individual, obviously at a price. However all you can really do in these circumstances is to make sure your lifestyle is as good as it can be as regards diet/exercise/stress/etc etc and hope for the best, alongside medication that will already have been provided following a diagnosis. There are also well man/woman checks provided by most GP's once you attain a certain age but again we have no idea how old the OP is presuming they were not born in 1821
Because of the long waiting list for checks you would probably have to look at private tests.I had Aortic valve replaced and bypass done 5 years ago, my valve is a tissue replacement so should have an echocardiogram done yearly haven’t had one done since the pandemic, had a letter from my cardiologist last June to say I was due for my 5 year review plus echo but my appointment isn’t until 1st June 2022. So you can see the lists are huge!
I'd love one too but it seems the NHS doesn't do one. After my HA and two stents I was told I have two other blockages at around 63% which didn't need stents. They are constantly on my mind but GP says the only way to check them is another angiogram which they won't do unless absolutely essential. Because my BP has gone funny ( diastolic dropped from an average 70 down to below 60, I've been referred for an echo ( this year, next year, sometime, never), a 24 hour monitor and an ECG. That seems to be all there is.
in reply to Qualipop
I had a 50% blockage to my RCA 3 years ago, also unstented. Like you say, who knows? Might be 51% now, might be 91%. There are 460 deaths every day from Heart disease apparently, and who knows how many people like us, in reality they just can't constantly keep a check on all of us. It's on my mind as well, but you can't let that stop you getting on with it as I am sure you are well aware. I am sure one day there will be easy ways of telling what the blockages are like, but then again when my Dad died of the same thing 45 years ago there was practically nothing other than morphine and hoping for the best.
Qualipop in reply to
I quite agree; they can't keep a check on everyone. It' s up to GPs to send you back to cardio if they suspect problems but it is sad there's no non invasive way to check blockages.
There is an non invasive way to check for blockages a CT angiogram .It is recommended by NICE rather than invasive testing.
Ooh thank you; mind you if I have any more CT scans this year I think I'll start glowing! LOL
Hi Milkyfairy, as the non obstructive/vasospasm guru on this forum I wondered how long it took you to get your diagnosis and what tests you had to endure to get there?I’ve been on my own journey for nearly 4 years now, still undiagnosed, with numerous A&E trips with severe chest pain at rest. I’ve had ECGs, echos, treadmill stress test, dobutamine stress test and am currently on a 12 month wait for a CT angiogram. I mention vasospasm to anyone I come in contact with, but am always met with a blank look! Is it a case of ruling blockages and everything else out, before concluding its vasospasm, or is there a definitive test? I’ve been on beta blockers now for nearly a year and they do help, but I still get mild chest pain and am breathless up hills, so don’t walk as much as I used to now.
The wheels seem to turn very slowly in cardiology unless you have a heart attack…it’s very frustrating
Maybe a crazy suggestion but...I went privately to a cardiologist 18 months ago to have a heart MOT. I had an extensive blood test, urine test, ECG, echocardiogram and stress test. It all cost just £50 but then I am a Brit living in Turkey. So if you happen to be going to a lower cost economy on holiday, this could present a more affordable option than the UK, if you want to put your mind at rest. (I would always contact an expat forum for a recommendation prior to travel. But there are good doctors everywhere.)
This type of testing missed both my husband's and brother in law's heart disease.
So sorry to hear that. These MOTs obviously don't work for everyone. For me, it showed that I had a scarred mitral valve and regurgitation. (Told that I must have had rheumatic fever as a child.) Also blood test showed that I had a serious lack of B12. Thus, it spotted two key issues, so am now being treated.
I am glad to hear that you were able to get the care you needed.
in reply to SuperFluff
£50 Really?
SuperFluff in reply to
Actually a bit less. 400 Turkish lira (exchange rate at time was around 8.5TL to pound).
in reply to SuperFluff
Almost too good to be true.
if you can remember the name of the programme it may be worth popping an email off to ITV as they normally have follow up info on such programmes?
Do we still get our own cardiologist? I was told that the NHS does not work like that. We do not get our own cardiologist. If we are feeling unwell we go to our GP and if he thinks fit we will get re referred to a Cardiologist but we do not get one alotted to ourselves
I live in Essex my HA occurred in Portsmouth So the Cardiologist who saved my life is there. I have not seen anyone since it happen 13 months ago.
As those on here have said you are not going to get an MOT on the nhs any time soon. If you have the money get it via a good private hospital. Maybe BUPA do a special cardiac check up rather than an ordinary MOT.
I think when you go through any heart procedure it makes you feel more vulnerable I had one stent last year and cardiologists had differences of option about inserting another Procedure had complications unfortunately Referred to another hospital for independent opinion anyway other options to test heart was Mri stress test or echo cardio stress test which I had which gave me reassurance that I could carry on as is without further procedure
Everyone is different we know we have to carry on but there is nothing wrong with wanting reassurance just medically at present very difficult but if you don’t ask you don’t get the heart foundation may give you the best advice all the best for the future ❤️
Not what you're looking for?
You may also like...
Not a ‘full blown heart attack’
was when doctor said ‘we don’t think you’re having a ‘full blown’ HA.. thankfully second troponin...
Feeling full up very quickly is this a symptom of Heart Failure? Does anyone else have this?
sickness is not every day but the fullness is all the time
I have suspected heart failure and...
Tesco Drivers - full of information!
I have an elderly 90 year old mum who lives in sheltered accommodation so it makes life easier to...
First Full week of graft
like I was helped.
PS whilst I know it's gonna take a bit longer for full recovery , I went in...
Celebratory Full English.
had my full English since my HA in april. Friday last week I was told from having severe heart...
Heart Failure Stiff Heart
Heart attack and heart failure 
heart attack but heart healthy 
Heart related or not? 
