first time contact this year, I have been angry, envious, & annoyed, It all started in January this year, I thought being 2 years on from Heart Attack/ Stroke,I was on the mend, that all changed when ever I stood upright I was near to collapse from dizziness, got to see GP who concluded my heart was not pumping enough oxygen enriched blood to my head, he also indicated my BP was low at 45bpm, ( this is where envy comes in, one member stated that was his normal resting rate ) given all these warnings GP arranged check up with local Hospital, with the possible outcome of having to have a pacemaker fitted, so after many ECG, and other test finally had meeting with cardiologist, with the result after nearly 9 months changing 2 of my medications, ( this is where anger comes in ) eventually get called into see GP who then drops the bomb shell that he disagrees with the cardiologist report and wants to challenge the results. Annoyed now I walked out from the surgery and not returned,
Who would you listen to, I have to see my GP for regular check ups , only way to see a cardiologist is through your GP, or actively having a H/A,
Sorry this is so long but the only people who know how things are for Heart Attack victims are those who have suffered it.
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Carpbait
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I am sorry to read what you are going through and in answer to your question I think I would let the Doctor challenge the decision as they must feel strongly to do so and see what the outcome is once they have
It seems you have a good GP who acts upon things and is willing to make sure you get the best treatment
I hope you get the right outcome soon and will let us know how you get on x
Did you listen to the reason why your GP disagreed with your cardiologist? Or walk out before he could say? I would want to hear both sides and be very grateful for all opinions.
argument by GP against Cardiologist was blood thinner tablets, before cardiologist Aspirin / Apaxaban, cardiologist claimed mixture of both put me at risk of bleeding out should I have an accident, GP claims tablets do separate things.
They do both do different things. Anticoagulants prevent clots forming when blood pools because of heart not pumping correctly and antiplatelets, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, prevent blood cells called platelets from clumping together to form a clot. Antiplatelets are mainly taken by people who have had a heart attack or stroke.
I have read on this forum of people who take both. I must admit I know little about it and hope that after seeing your reply to me others will advise.
I'm inclined to advise allowing your GP to challenge... most GPs will admit they are not cardiologists, so if they feel strongly enough to challenge there might be something in it.
This isn't to alarm you... but to ensure you get the best care, you need the correct questions asked and answered.
I very much agree. I would let your GP challenge cardio or even ask for a second opinion. IT takes a lot for a G P to be so convinced. MY GP just objected to a spinal surgeon I saw and I'm having a second opinion in 2 weeks because the GP was absolutely adamant the first one was wrong.
I appreciate your reply, but I feel like a tennis ball, being Batted between medics, when all I want reassurance that my bad spells are nothing to be concerned about.
I wish all GPs were as pro-active as yours, it sounds as though he's really watching your back. I understand your frustration though. It's confusing (and rather scary) to have experienced heart/head issues and then be given mixed messages about a treatment protocol. I can relate to that.
My advice, for what it's worth, is to go back to your GP and talk through your frustration with him. You need your GP's support and it sounds like you've got it. Leave it to your GP and specialist to argue the toss - but stay in the loop.
Your GP and specialist must reach an agreement about a management protocol for your case eventually, they are professionally obliged to do so.
Hopefully that will happen sooner rather than later!
in my experience my GP (or should say practice as can be seen by different ones) won’t do anything other than what the cardiologist instructs. To the letter! It’s as if they don’t want to be responsible / take the risk in case they make a mistake or contradict the cardiologist. If I were in your place I’d continue with cardiologist instructions whilst they have their bun fight and tell you otherwise! That’s me though. For me cardiologist trumps GP as the former is the heart expert.
i understand your point of view, but feel it is important to remember that no doctor is infallible - the GP should have a wider understanding of their patient as a whole person whereas a specialist tends to look only at one system - some GP develop specialist areas of care and it is perfectly within their remit to challenge another doctor
a problem here is that Carpbait feels caught between the two and wants their problem sorted out - not a good place to be
this is more about Carpbait needing help to understand the reason for the challenge so that they can be involved in decisions about their care
Ugh. There are so many gray areas for us with CAD who have had procedures -- especially what is a medicinal side effect vs what is a medical issue. I have had an issue regarding stomach pain where my GP disagreed with my gastro specialist. I went around her back to another specialist and boy was she annoyed, but I was not getting results and spent all my time chasing down tests/screenings etc. Bottom line is we have power over our own health.
I personally would like to have as many opinions as possible so would like to know why your GP and Cardiologist are in opposition on this. Patience, grasshoppper! Although I know it is hard and frustrating...
I agree. I was just prescribed medication for spinal pain without knowing my history. The GP' pharmacist rang me extremely worried and said "Whatever you do don't take it. Given the amount of opiate you take, it could kill you." I believe her.
My GP is extremely thorough. He also sees me face to face whereas most of my follow up calls by the HF Nurses are done over the phone. They seem to have a list of questions to ask and providing you answer them to their satisfaction, no further action is taken.
When you have heart issues everyone is quick to blame new symptoms on those issues or on side effects of medication.
I went to my GP because I was having dizzy spells and he sent me for a head scan. It transpired that I had had a small "stroke" at some stage which may explain those and why I veer off to the left when walking.
The HF Nurses blamed the dizzy spells on my meds and reduced my diuretics.
You should be pleased that your GP has your best interest at heart ❤ 💙 💜 💖
I can only conclude that your cardiologist knowing you are having dizzy spells is concerned you may pass out and damage yourself to the extent that it could cause life threatning bleeding, where as your GP has different opinions. As to the resting heartrate 45BPM is indeed low and is called Bradycardia. Some younger and athletic people have these low heartrates and it causes no symptoms as theit hearts are very strong, but even they sometimes need a pacemaker in later life. There is no point in getting angry with either of these medical professionals as they are both trying to do what they think best to keep you in best shape. I would let them dispute this until they come up with a conclusion.
Could you ask your GP for a second opinion? I did and got a very thorough re-assessment of all my test results by a different cardiologist and a change in medication, and consequently my angina pain is considerably reduced.
Hi Carpbait. I used to be exactly the same with dizziness and fainting and it is NO joke. If your Doctor thinks you would benefit from having a Pacemaker I would definitely go with him and leave him challenge the Cardiologist. It's not very often you will hear that!! I have a Pacemaker now, after a Bypass as the Surgeon wasn't completely happy but, before that, I suffered for years! I now feel a lot safer. They are worth their 'Weight in Gold'. Good Luck 🤞
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Update - after seeing my GP
Latest visit to cardiologist
