Echocardiogram frequency

[ferociousdog]

Just checking for my husband who doesn't do online stuff. He has heart failure (35%EF) LV. He has had all his meds titrated and is relatively stable but fatigue is increasing. He doesn't have a cardiac nurse anymore and I wondered if it was usual to be in the system for regular (annual??) echos or you have to go back to the GP and tell them of symptoms and they refer if needed. He doesn't see a consultant any more either.. TIA

[Cosychair]

Hi, my EF was 38 per cent. I am now on what they call the 4 pillars of medication. I have been feeling good. I do see a cardiac nurse, I can message them if I have a problem. I'm surprised your husband does not have an appointment with one. Maybe ask gp. I am going for an MRI next week on my heart.

I would have thought your husband should get another echo to see if his EF has increased.

Ask gp. For advice. I would. Good luck.

[Deejay62]

Hi once I moved to the main hospital I stopped having a regular nurse as I saw cardiologists 6 monthly, but my Gp did contact the local heart failure nurses when I began to retain too much fluid and they kept a check on me for a while then that stopped. I wasn’t to concerned because I kind of knew a lot of the information they mentioned to me. They left their numbers in case I needed them at any time. During Covid they even did home visits.

I use to have 6 monthly cardiologist then 6 monthly heart failure nurse for years until my heart function went to 10%. Now it’s 23% they call me 6 monthly and I visit 6 monthly. But last year it was 6 monthly visits. It’s a postcode lottery. My next visit will be after 5 months, maybe it’s because my other organs are struggling now.