How long is your first cardiology outpatient appointment?

[GranolaLover119]

I have my first outpatient appointment with a consultant very sooon (yay!) and I was just wondering how long it might be? I think I might ring up on Monday to ask as I just want to plan the day. It's at the valve clinic and I've already had an echo etc. so I was thinking I would just be talking to the consultant but looking online it sounds like they might want to do tests while I'm there? I have quite a long list of questions so I was hoping the appointment would be as long as possible (hopefully 30 minutes at least). Thanks in advance.

[Knavesmire27]

Hi, it's quite possible you might have an ECG, and the usually blood pressure, weight, and even an x ray before you see your consultant - but it doesn't take long and is usually very efficient. Though I think it can vary from hospital to hospital. But what I will say is ask all your questions. I have found every consultant I have dealt with to be patient and understanding. I think they understand that although it is routine to them, to us it is scary and all new. So how in there with your list and hopefully you will come out feeling much better. Good luck

[GranolaLover119 in reply to Knavesmire27]

Thanks, I'm so excited to finally find out about everything! I hope they are nice

[RF260]

Hi, had my first appointment earlier this week. Was initially seem by nurse for ECG and blood pressure which took around 15 minutes. Then specialist came to get me and went through some results from tests that I had done in the last month (Echo and 24 hour holter) and talked about how to treat my A fib. That took about another 30-40 minutes and I had my list of questions prepared which we went through in good detail. I didn't feel atall rushed but was in and out in just under an hour, good luck.

[GranolaLover119 in reply to RF260]

That sounds really good (apart from needing to go in the first place, but I'm sure you know what I mean). Thank you.

[Hidden]

Hi GranolaLover,

I have just got my first cardiology referral, it’s 37 weeks! Not sure if that’s because of my age, 77, my sex, female, or this new government’s dislike of elderly people. I hope I will make it in time. Hope you have better luck.

[joesmith123456 in reply to Hidden]

Waiting times vary from Trust to Trust. I think you'll find that you've been waiting a while because of the state of the NHS rather than the 24 weeks so far of Labour. This is a place to offer help and support, not make cheap and clearly untrue political comments.

[Hidden in reply to joesmith123456]

Joe123456, I am entitled to my opinion as you are, it is still a free country.

[joesmith123456 in reply to Hidden]

I was meerly saying this is not the place to state your political opinion. Hardly think you can blame the current Government for your long wait.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Hidden]

The BHF guidelines states the following about political opinions.

" We kindly ask all members to avoid discussing political topics or making political statements within the community. Politics can be a highly divisive subject, and our goal is to maintain a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone. By steering clear of political discussions, we ensure that the community remains a safe space dedicated to heart health and mutual support."

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

[Hidden in reply to Milkfairy]

Fair enough. Bye.

[GranolaLover119 in reply to Hidden]

I won't say anything about the politics but you can try ringing whoever books the appointments (maybe try cardiology main no. first) and asking if you can be informed if there are any cancellations. I don't know if it would be an option for you (as in whether or not there are other hospitals you can get to) but you have the 'right to choose' under the NHS so you can see online if there is anywhere else you could go that has shorter waiting times and ask to be referred there myplannedcare.nhs.uk/ Thanks.

[David-66]

I’m still waiting for mine, first appointment is August 2025, which will be 11 Months since my heart attack and emergency stent being fitted whilst on holiday in Greece.

[GranolaLover119 in reply to David-66]

Holy Moly, don't know where you live but that is a really long time. Don't know if you've already tried but you could do what I said to HKD2.

[David-66 in reply to GranolaLover119]

Lancashire

[GranolaLover119 in reply to David-66]

I see, don't know if this hospital is anywhere near you: myplannedcare.nhs.uk/nwest/...

It's a shorter wait than East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.

[David-66 in reply to GranolaLover119]

that’s the one I’m on the waiting list for the cardiologist

[GranolaLover119 in reply to David-66]

Ah okay, you can also have a look on here if you want. patientlibrary.net/cgi-bin/...

[fishonabike]

As you don't know how much time you will have with the doctor (it might not be the consultant, there is usually a team and you Gould be seen by a registrar) I suggest listing your questions in order of importance to you - that way you stand a chance of having the top ones answered

It is sometimes helpful to have someone with you (e.g a partner) - 2 pairs of ears take in more and 2 brains remember more

[GranolaLover119 in reply to fishonabike]

Thanks, I wish I had written them out like that, I keep remembering more things as well. I wondered if I might not see the consultant but I think the name of the person I'm seeing on the letter is a consultant, I guess it could just be his name attached to the clinic though. I can't decide whether to go in on my own or not but we'll see.

[fishonabike in reply to GranolaLover119]

Indeed, you might not see the consultant, they are the head of the team and often you are not told which team member will be seeing you - it can vary depending on the team or hospital arrangements - but all cases are usually discussed by the team, particularly when thetr are difficult or unusual decisions to make

[GranolaLover119 in reply to fishonabike]

Thank you, it turned out that the appointment was barely helpful at all even though I think it was the consultant I saw. I am getting a TOE tomorrow which I am very surprised about (in that he referred me for it and it is happening so very quickly).

[fishonabike in reply to GranolaLover119]

I,m sorry to hear that the appointment was disappointing - maybe they need to gather more info on your heart before they can tell you anything useful, hence the rapid appointment for Trans Oesophageal Echo

I hope this shows them what they need to know or check

[GranolaLover119 in reply to fishonabike]

Thank you, it was almost too rapid lol!

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to GranolaLover119]

The TOE is the gold standard for getting a good look at the valves. They’ll have a ton more info after that. And brilliant on getting it tomorrow.

[GranolaLover119 in reply to PadThaiNoodles]

Yeah, I'm kind of glad, just waiting to go in now.

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to GranolaLover119]

Let us know how it goes....

[GranolaLover119 in reply to PadThaiNoodles]

Thanks, it was pretty awful but done now so I feel okay. Sounded like they still struggled to get some good pictures.

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to GranolaLover119]

Yeah, there's not a lot to love about getting a camera down your throat. Glad you got through it.

[GranolaLover119 in reply to PadThaiNoodles]

Thanks, yeah hopefully I won't be doing it again for a really long time at least.

[GCWhits]

I was admitted to hospital with cardiac issues through A&E and spent a few days as an inpatient. I was discharged and told I needed a follow up cardiology appt within 3 months. I waited and waited (occasionally calling to check where I was on the waiting list). After 10 months, I was offered a telephone appointment only. As I had lots of questions and concerns, I wasn't happy with that. So I paid for a private consultation (with the same doctor I would have seen on the NHS) and had a long face to face consultation. I realise I am lucky to have been able to afford it and not everyone can.

[GranolaLover119 in reply to GCWhits]

That's mad. Sadly, my experience was a little similar and I am thinking of seeing someone privately now.