Follow up on Heart Attack

[HapHapMoo]

I had HA a year ago and stents fitted.

Does the NHS provide an annual checkup or are we on our own now.

[TasteLessFood4Life]

I am not sure - but is it not routine to have an annual check with your cardiologist to see where things are? They will take a few basic tests and go from there. Dont think they will do all the other detailed tests, unless required or you have symptoms.

[Stentsandrun]

The NICE guidelines say you should have an annual review with your GP, assuming you have been discharged into their care. This usually involves a blood test to monitor cholesterol levels, liver function etc, height, weight, blood pressure and medication review. I usually have a considerably overweight nurse asking me what my diet consists of and how much exercise I undertake as well (sorry couldn't resist that). For the first few years I had to "remind" them of the review, but last couple of years they have been pretty much on it.

Speak to your GP surgery and make sure they are aware of your situation.

[Lowerfield_no_more in reply to Stentsandrun]

My GP practice don't seem to have a system whereby they come to me to arrange annual blood tests I always have to go to them. And weight and BP are only done on an ad hoc basis if I visit for something else which is infrequent. As for sitting in front of someone to discuss my heart related stuff like diet and exercise that has never happened. And I even wonder if I get an annual medication review, certainly many overdue dates on the repeat prescription form indicate I dont. The last change to medication was adding ezetemibe to my medication which I asked for since I considered my lipid profile was not as it should be.

[Robbie1964]

I had a 6 month follow up with my cardiologist (and another at 12 months). I also had a 12 month review with the nurse at my GP practice, along the lines of what Stentsandrun has posted.

[aardvark68]

After my STEMI, cardiac arrest and stents back in 2015, I saw the cardiologist once before being discharged back to my GP. Since then I’ve had annual blood tests, BP check and weighed by a nurse. Have been doing fine. I guess that means we are considered to be “fixed” which is good 👍🏽. I’m now 75 and still very active. Travel a lot etc

[Richie34]

It's such a valuable and valid question and 2 months post my angioplasty one that I have pondered too, there doesn't seem to be a 'formal' process. I've had cardiac rehab arranged (12 sessions over 6 weeks) I've had a follow up echo (ejection fraction down from pre op 🧐) but very little explanation of these results or as you say "what next?" so I'm sorry I don't have any answers but you're not alone in your quest sadly.

[Whiteghost]

I had a follow up with cardiologist then another one due to a problem. I now have an annual check up with GP. I have siblings who also have heart problems and they are exactly the same. We all live in different areas, so I take it, it's the norm.🤗

[Lowerfield_no_more]

My experience with my NHS trust is that I was discharged back to the care of the GP, first following my cardio rehab after an NSTEMI, and again two years later when suspected heart problems were concluded to be gastro rather than cardio. My guess is it is driven by invididual patient medical conditions e.g. if you are fit and healthy enough and medication is doing its job there is no need to speak to a cardiologist or heart specialist or be ongoing monitored, although some people are clearly not in that category and may need regular check ups.

[mtse]

After a heart attack (HA) and stent placement, the NHS provides structured follow-up care, though it may not always include automatic annual specialist checkups. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

1. Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR):

You should have been offered a CR program post-HA, typically lasting 6–12 weeks. This includes exercise, education, and psychological support. If you haven’t completed this, ask your GP for a referral.

2. GP-Led Care:

Ongoing monitoring is managed by your GP, including:

Regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks.

Medication reviews (e.g., antiplatelets, statins, beta-blockers).

Management of diabetes, weight, or other risk factors.

Many GPs offer annual chronic disease reviews (e.g., for coronary heart disease), which act as proactive checkups.

3. Cardiologist Follow-Up:

A one-off follow-up with a cardiologist may occur 6–12 months post-stent, but annual specialist appointments are not routine unless complications arise (e.g., recurrent symptoms, abnormal test results).

4. Self-Advocacy:

Contact your GP promptly if symptoms return (e.g., chest pain, breathlessness).

Request a review if you feel your condition isn’t being monitored adequately.

5. Preventive Support:

The NHS provides resources for lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, smoking cessation) via your GP or local services.

Key Takeaway:

You’re not "on your own." The NHS shifts long-term care to your GP, with specialists involved only if needed. Proactively engage with your GP to ensure regular checkups and risk-factor management. If uncertain about your care plan, book a GP appointment to discuss concerns.

[Lowerfield_no_more in reply to mtse]

Whereas all of that makes sense, although what happens in practice may be different, e.g. it seems not everyone is offered CR, what is the reference source?

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Reads like an AI response

[Qualipop]

You are usually handed back to your GP for an annual check up and your GP is usually the one to arrange any tests needed. You should have blood tests after 3 months to make sure yoru tablets are not causing problems then annual bloods, weight, cholesterol etc again by a nurse at the GP surgery If it was more serious you may have been expected to see the cardiologist. It will say on your discharge letter which you can read on the NHS app.I haven't seen one in 6 years since my Heart attack.

[BC4ever]

If you have been discharged from cardiology back to your doctor, then he should provide you with an annual review. Though you may have to chase this up yourself and put some pressure on, depending on which health authority you come under!