Any advice?

[mld78]

I am currently taking meds for angina. I have always been aware that I have a bicuspid aortic valve. I am on the 23 week waiting list for the Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic. I’ve waited 20 weeks so I’m hoping I will hear something soon. So not sure what to do.

I keep having episodes where I almost faint. I have lost time on a few occasions, once in a Teams meeting. Fortunately I have now got HR values, as my GP advised buying a smart watch!

my HR goes from 90+ to 42, then back to 100+. It’s only low for about a minute. I don’t drive.

Not too sure whether to pester anyone or just wait the three weeks (hopefully) until my appointment.

If you have any suggestions I’d be happy to listen. Thank you.

[onadiet]

I would suggest ring the Secretary of the Clinic. They do not mind and are helpful.

[mld78 in reply to onadiet]

I hadn’t even thought about that. Thank you. I will have a search to see if I can find information. Thank you again.

[anginaade]

I had a very low heart rate all the time, 40 to 50 bpm, thankfully they got my heart rate up, if your worried just have a chat with them, they really want to help, Adrian.

[mld78 in reply to anginaade]

I used to have a low HR. I used to do a lot of long distance walking races, 30km to 100 miles. My HR is about 55-58 at night but 80 -110 during the day. Then it plumets to 40-45, and I black out.

Thank you.

[anginaade in reply to mld78]

What is your BP when it plummets? And are you resting when you black out?

[mld78 in reply to anginaade]

I’m not sure of my BP at those moments. I will check. But I can be sitting, walking, standing or in a meeting. I can’t see any link. But it is at times of stress. That is the only similarity. GP said that stress usually causes HR and BP to rise.

Thank you. I will be checking my BP.

[anginaade in reply to mld78]

Get yourself a smart watch if you don't have one, being able to check BP HR and blood oxygen at any time is worth its weight in gold 🤎

[mld78 in reply to anginaade]

Yes. I have one on GPs advice. It doesn’t do BP sadly. Thank you.

[anginaade in reply to mld78]

I bought one of temu, it was only £18 and does all 3 and quite accurately if I may say so, thanks, Adrian.

[mld78 in reply to anginaade]

That’s useful to know. Thank you.

[anginaade in reply to mld78]

My pleasure 🤗

[Jedi14]

Your fainting spells are due to low BP, I got that as well! What you need to do until your sorted, is to carry of salted crisps or some other snacks that you can munch into (indulge yourself) to incease your BP. Hope all goes well for you.

[mld78 in reply to Jedi14]

thank you. Yes, I do have low blood pressure and have been told to eat ready salted crisps everyday. Heart consultant said he usually tells patients to reduce salt intake, so I’m pleased others have this issue!!!!

I might check my BP a little more often. I have stopped recording it regularly.

Thank you for this suggestion.

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to mld78]

Dang. A prescription for ready salted crisps. How do I get one of those? 😉

[Lowerfield_no_more]

Unfortunately just because its supposed to be 23 weeks doesn't mean it will be. I suggest you contact the cardio appointments section of the hospital to find out where you are in the queue. If you haven't heard and it's supposed to be soon you might get an appointment whilst you speak with them. You could also offer yourself up for a cancellation type appointment if they operate that system and it is convenient for you to attend at short notice. In the meantime if you need any health advice you could try the BHF Heart Helpline nurse.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[mld78 in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Thank you. I will try to find the number and give them a call.