Heart stuff

[ABCheart]

I’m 6 months in to a 12 month wait for a double bypass.

I have so many’s questions but the main one at the moment is a change in my heart rate, as most people with my condition I’m on the usual cocktail of pills, but in the last few days it’s increases quite a lot, which is causing me considerable discomfort, is this normal?

is it best to talk to my doctor, as I wouldn’t have a clue on how to contact the cardiologist

Thank you to all you kind people, I have found this site very informative and has been a great source of information.

Jane, 57 year old, with a poorly heart ♥️

[sandandkev]

Do you not have any letters from cardiologist as contact would be on there,if not your gp should have letters from them so yes see gp

[cotonh]

If you haven't got a letter you can also look up the cardiology department for the hospital you went to and all the numbers are there. I am sure even if you get through to the wrong part of the cardiology department they will direct you to the right place. Yes, you should be telling them you have noticed a change.

My husband is also waiting and on a cocktail of drugs and he is seen regularly by the cardiac nurse but that may be because, as yet, the cocktail of drugs is not settled. However I am sure we were told to tell the cardiac nurse if anything changed. We are finding waiting very stressful and hate the uncertainty of not knowing when the operation will be and being able to work towards it.

[CyclingTime]

Definitely contact your doctor, if it is feeling very wrong then 999. Don't mess about with heart issues.

I got a right telling off by the hospital for not going there immediately when I started to get symptoms. If in doubt go, despite the usually painful wait in A&E

[maggie80]

Speak to the cardiologist secretary.

[Traveldreams]

if it is very bad 999, otherwise phone cardiology. My heart rate post surgery is still bonkers. I’ve had it checked out and nobody is concerned but you MUST have it checked out. I even went to A&E once for the first time in 55 years. I feel for your wait. It’s the worst bit. I waited 11 months and it’s like everything is on hold. Best of luck x

[ADemLondon]

Hi, I had a triple bypass nearly 3 months ago. After the surgery I was taken off some of the blood pressure tablets, I asked why, it seems that when your heart blood vessels has blockages the heart needs to work harder to do the same work this increasing your blood pressure, so when the blockages are dealt with the heart goes back to normal and you will most likely be taken off some of your tablets. Good luck with the surgery and get prepared for it by walking every day

Do speak to your team and get reassurance about it

[Qualipop]

If you know the cardiologist's name, just ring the main hospital number and they will put you through to his secretary.