Cardiologist doesn't need to see me for 3 years?

[Kali_heart]

I am 68 years old. I had triple bypass in February 2021. I have spoken to my cardiologist a few times since then. I should note that I had this cardiologist before the bypass due to the fact I have coronary heart disease. Most recently,I had a heart monitor for 72 hours which showed nothing. Then I had a stress EKG which I was told showed no blockages. My cardiologist then told me he would see me in 3 years. Is this normal?

[Hidden]

Hello

Are you in Canada ?

It might work different to what it does in the UK

When our Cardiologists are happy with us and feel there are no more concerns usually they do not see us in 3 years unless needed so put is back into our Doctors care who then takes back over

Your Cardiologist must feel everything is fine if they do not want to see you for another 3 years which I would see as a positive x

[Kristin1812 Heart Star in reply to Hidden]

My Cardiologist now sees me on an ‘as and when’ basis. It used to be every 6 months. I seems to vary a lot in different areas and with different Cardiologists.

[Hidden in reply to Kristin1812]

Hello

Yes it seems so and could also depend what heart condition you may have as well

Mine has discharged me back to my Doctor now

Hope you are having a lovely day x

[080311]

Hi,

I had Aortic valve replaced and bypass done 2016, discharged from the surgeon 6 weeks after surgery saw cardiologist 6 months after surgery and discharged back to my GP. Have a tissue valve so an echocardiogram yearly. Have just had what was called 5 year review ( though nearer 6 because of the pandemic) have just received appointment for echo next June. If I have a problem I see my GP and if she thinks the cardiologist needs to see me she would instigate an appointment. My yearly blood test and medication review is done by my GP.

Hope that helps, it seems to be the norm.

Best wishes Pauline

[HeyNonnyMouse]

I had a triple 4 years ago. Just recently had an ECG and no worsening of condition so next scheduled appointment is 4 years time. If the advanced prostate cancer leaves me alone long enough! Happy days...but no, this is quite usual. Luckily we have had no problems with accessing our GP or hospitals (Christchurch, Dorset) so we can get urgent attention if concerned. I can't thank them enough. Lots more on-line consultation but it seems to work very well and my doctor certainly gets to see more patients that way.

[gilreid1]

Six weeks after my bypass saw my cardiologist and surgeon and surgeons words I have done my bit it’s now up to you now and I don’t want to see you again. Unless you have in going issues why would you want to see a cardiologist. I would imagine that is expensive in your part of the world.

[MountainGoat52]

I was discharged to the care (ha ha) of my GP after 3 months with no further consultations planned. Since then one GP at the practice that I am with has told me that I am "fixed" despite the fact that having a triple bypass has not cured my CVD. I have to remind them about my annual blood test. I guess they are doing well in the race to the bottom. 😯

[wischo]

I see a private cardiologist which might account for the fact that he sees me every 18months. He was the same guy that put in my stent 3 years ago. To be honest he may order a stress test or an echo prior to my visit and give me the results on the day. As he charges 170 Euro for the visit it is easy to see why he wants to keep up the appointments and my private health insurance covers the echo, stress test etc. I can not see any othere reason why he wants to see me as often so I asked him could we space it a bit longer. He said no problem and made it every 3 years telling me to ring him if I had any issues in the meantime. Without new symptoms I think its a waste of time seeing a cardiologist on a yearly basis. Your case is a really positive sign as he clearly can see you are fine.

[Kali_heart]

Thank you all for your replies. You have made me feel much better. He did say he was handing me over to my GP. At the time, I thought maybe I was a lost cause. ☺️

[Hidden in reply to Kali_heart]

Hello

You are certainly not a lost cause it is positive he feels you are well enough to be in the care of your GP now x

[Hidden]

Hi Kali

This is very normal. I had triple bypass 2019 and I have seen cardiologist twice and he said your good to go, there's nothing more I can do, take care of yourself and call me if you heart pains like before surgery. I have a pile of pills that I have to take and have to see regular doctor to keep my pills updated and the rest has been up to me.

If something would have shown on your electrocardiogram they wouldn't leave you alone. You would have several appointments. I had that before surgery.

Enjoy everyday that you don't have to spend time waiting for doctor appointments and the stress that comes with it.

Best Wishes and Enjoy every day!

Dusty 68...

[Kali_heart in reply to Hidden]

Absolutely right! Time to enjoy my second chance! Thanks to everyone.