What happens after heart attack

[Mickey1989]

I had 2 heart attacks in 2022 and had an emergency stent fitted. Should I be having regular check ups as I have not had any follow up since I finished my rebiltation

[Weetabixie]

Hi Mickey 1989, may I as if your gp has been seeing you regarding meds etc? I would actually see your gp and discuss it with him/her.I had heart attack last June, a stent fitted and had to return a month later for the 2nd stent that had to be done separately as an emergency had come in and only the cardiologist who performed the procedure on me was in theatre that day as doctors strike.

Cardio rehab had to be stopped as started getting possible angina. I I haven't had a follow up. They did refer me to cardiology but as of yet no word from them. Got a phone call last week from cardio rehab asking if I'd been seen? I said no. They've told me to see my gp and ask to be referred to see a different cardiologist now. But last month I got my angiogram results and was seeing my gp about medication when I told her what results were, she referred me to vascular surgery as a result.

Communication isn't good between the hospital and gp surgery and from what I've seen the past years follow ups don't seem to happen like they used to years ago.

Sorry for such a long winded reply, I do hope you can get a referral from your gp. Hope you are doing well also.

[aardvark68]

Hi Mickey1989.

My cardiac events (STEMI and cardiac arrest) happened in 2015. The blocked LAX was stented and I was sent home 2 days later. After a couple of weeks I was invited to cardiac rehab - which was very helpful.

Since then I’ve only had routine annual blood tests and BP checked by the nurse at GPS.

The assumption, I think, is that once the blockage has been stented you can consider the problem as fixed.

Of course it is then up to us to make the decision as to what improvements we make to our lifestyle to prevent any future issues.

My choice has been to improve diet and exercise and carry on with life as usual.

[Duvetdays15]

Hi I had a heart attack in 2021 one stent fitted. The follow up care has been appalling in my opinion. I went to the hospital (London) once 6 months later and was given an echo and ecg, these came back fine. The London hospital referred me to my local hospital for a follow up, Two local hospitals to me said I didn't need follow ups but would see if I had any problems in the future. Last year I was in hospital day case, and was told I have angina, I was referred to cardiology and cannot get an appointment. GP reviewed my medication at the end of last year for the first time since 2021! Throughout all of this I feel left and that I have had to do all of the research and chasing up myself.

[45sue]

You should be having annual blood tests /medication review at your GP practice. Ring them for an appt if this is not happening. No cardiology follow up unless you are re- referred with new symptoms.

[Avagra]

I had my HA and stent Oct ‘22 and to this day have had nil follow ups from a cardiologist only cardio rehab which was excellent.It seems to be the norm that once your pipes are fixed that’s it end of treatment!I have had the normal 6 monthly check up re- BP,Weight and bloods but nothing specifically heart related.Ive been having chest twinges and insisted to see my doctor who arranged an ECG which had some abnormalities and I was taken to A&E for a further ECG and bloods etc and nothing found so discharged.Im in awe of the NHS but feel the cardiac side of the system is somewhat lacking in follow up services especially as the average GP is just not experienced enough in cardiac matters .

[Survivor1952]

I had a HA in May apparently. Result was 2xPCI, AVR and 1xCABG all within a month. Since then I’ve had a follow up at hospital, two Heart Failure Clinic appointments at my GP and I’ve got another hospital follow up in March.

When I was discharged by my cardiac surgeon he told me to go ahead and lead a normal life. It seems that follow up is rather hit and miss and a bit of a postcode lottery.

[Lowerfield_no_more]

If you have not been called back by the hospital , you are likely to have been discharged back to the care of the GP if there was no good reason for you to be kept under the care of the hospital cardio team. Your discharge notes from the hospital or hospital cardio rehab will likely confirm this. As far as the GP care plan is concerned you should have an annual blood test and a meds review. But if you experience any possible heart related symptoms like chest pains you should seek medical attention, either your GP if it is 'routine', or if severe and unexpected call 999.

[Happyrosie]

in a similar situation my husband is followed up once a year by GP nurse.