How often should a heart condition take place.

[Bruckner51]

Hi Folks

I had my heart attack late in the evening of 16 February 2020. This was followed by angioplasty on 20 Feb 2020. This was followed up by my local hospital in March 2020 with various tests and I was advised that I did not sustain any damage to my heart at this time. Since then I have not had a review by my GP or hospital of my heart condition at all in 2020.

In December 2020 I thought I was having another heart attack and was taken to my local hospital who did all the checks and advised me that I hadn't had one.

In February 2021 I phoned my GP to arrange a review of my heart condition and was advised that this would happen in June 2021.

In June I phoned my GP to arrange a review and blood tests and was told this would happen in the month of my birth (October). October 2021 came and went with no contact from my GP to arrange a review.

Two years have now passed since I had my heart attack without any formal review.

I'm interested to know what the experience of reviews is of my fellow Hearties.

Looking forward to your replies.

Regards Richard

[Chappychap]

That doesn't sound right.

The general experience on this forum is an annual check from either your GP or from a specially trained cardio nurse at the GP's practise.

These checks normally consist of a set of blood tests (done before hand and the results presented during the check-up), a basic ECG, your weight is checked, your medication is discussed, you're asked about your life style (are you doing the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week etc), blood pressure and pulse rate are taken, the whole thing lasts about twenty or thirty minutes.

For the past couple of years it's usually been done remotely by phone, so no ECG and you're advised to check your own blood pressure. But it still takes place. Furthermore the blood test results are very important, not only in themselves but also because they can show a pattern developing.

I'd press your GP for an annual cardio check up. They're really worthwhile!

Good luck!

[Hidden]

I was diagnosed with angina some 8 years ago and every years I have a healthy heart review with my GP, ECG, BP, medicine review, lifestyle chat, weight I had a HA last June, since then I've seen the cardiologist and been signed off, I've also had three blood tests carried out at my GP's.

[francesw47]

I'm afraid that the experience of review is different across the country. Some GPs do and some don't. In spite of having had surgery x 2 and now various (well controlled) problems related to poor heart function I have never had a review in GP surgery. GP has been excellent and always 'there', but request for consult/review has always been initiated by me. I moved recently to a rural and coastal area where recruitment of GPs is difficult but have been told that I will be called for an annual review with a clinical pharmacist who runs the cardiology clinic so looks like the review process here is better organised!Personally, I would call the GP surgery and ask for a review of meds.

[Bruckner51]

Thanks for your replies to my post Chappychap, that was unexpected, JohnH100 and francesw47. I will call my GP again next week to see if I can arrange a time for the practice nurse to do blood tests for my heart condition when she does a PSA test prior to my next Prostate Cancer review and hormone therapy injection.

Maybe the GP might also review my heart meds and lifestyle, exercise etc too.

Thanks again for your advice.

[Hidden]

HA last April 1 week stay - 2 Angios but stayed blocked, no other treatment except medicines, MRI and CTscan before Summer. Cardiologist by phone then in person in July. Cardiac rehab throughout but all telephone appointments. tel appt with cardiologist in Oct but next one likely to be a year. Currently cardiac nurse at hospital is contacting every 8 weeks. Did blood tests for iron and sugar etc 4 weeks ago but ok. So not too bad. Thought I was having heart attack last week but did not seek help as three sprays got rid of the pain. Hope you get sorted.

[Qualipop]

That's not right. You should be having regular annual blood tests to make sure the tablets are not damaging your liver or kidneys. Speak to the practice manager and complain

[Rycon]

I'm the same I had a heart attack 2 years ago had stent fitted and now on various meds. Have not had a formal review since!!

[Foxly]

Similar experience HA just over a year ago and other than early calls from cardiac nurse, one follow up call from hospital asking if I felt ok 2 blood tests re medication and bp checks every 6 months...no gp contact.

[MountainGoat52]

If there's one thing I've learnt after my HA / stents and bypass, it is that you have to be pro-active with regards to your health. I would get in touch with your GP practice, tell them that you did not get a review on your birthday and that this needs to be put in hand as soon as possible. These checks are important and learning to understand your blood test results is, in my opinion, useful when discussing matters with your GP. Last year I had to instigate an increase in the dosage of my statin.

[XmasEve24]

My experience has been very similar to yours post CABG X2 six years ago. Very erratic and now non existent follow ups. So much so that last October after another episode and day spent on AAU and with promises of being fast tracked for a Cardiology appointment- I went for a private consultation, as my NHS appointment came through for the following February. That was cancelled and is was rescheduled for June 2022. Upshot being- Excellent but expensive private care. I had every test going was taken off 2 medications and feel better than I have for years. I love the NHS it saved my life but unfortunately it’s a mess. I hate that I had to go the private route, but it’s a case of when needs must and will create a two tier society. Good luck.

[Pilatesman in reply to XmasEve24]

Xmaseve, most interesting. When you went private what did you exactly ask the private organisation for, a cardio follow up, blood tests, a medication review. I'm also considering the private route.

Originally I was told by the NHS I'd get a 6 month review but then when contacting a local cardio nurse she said as I had had a problem free angioplasty and a single stent I would not get any review! However, she did go back to a cardo consultant and he agreed to a telephone review one year from the date of my HA. Whilst this is some progress I can't afford any complacency hence my original question above.

So pleased to hear you are happy with your progress.

PM

[XmasEve24 in reply to Pilatesman]

I didn’t ask for anything. The consultant didn’t know me so I had all the test requested by him, so he had a good picture of my heart and how it worked, as I was experiencing clusters of Angina that I was finding difficult to manage. They told me beforehand how much it would all cost. So there were no surprises. He has also referred me for an angiogram on the NHS. I’m not sure when that will happen due to the COVID backlog. However all looked very good from my tests and I’m feeling so much better on less medication.

[LesleyJ59]

I too was told my annual review would be on the month of my birthday, but as I was told that in August, and my birthday's in July, I had to wait. With one thing and another my review is now in October. It's just an appointment with a healthcare professional, blood pressure and bloods taken and a talk about how I'm managing, They also set up a phone appointment with a pharmacist to check on meds. I would chase your surgery up and get an appointment.