Curious about bloods & ECG

Hi, does anyone know why after a assessment does the mental health team request bloods and ecg ? I mean what are they looking for?, I'm curious and a little paranoid, any replies appreciated and thanks in advance

[Whiskers16]

I had to have an ECG before they would prescribe me Venlafaxine and had already had bloods done.

[Hidden in reply to Whiskers16]

Thanks whiskers maybe its something to do with checks before medication

[Whiskers16 in reply to Hidden]

Apparently certain meds can affect your heart rate so I think they make sure you are ok before prescribing.

[Hidden in reply to Whiskers16]

Ahhh that makes sense ! Do you think the blood tests are to see if the person's healthy

[Whiskers16 in reply to Hidden]

I had the bloods done because I was having toilet problems and was loosing weight due to anxiety, think she wanted to rule out any other problems.

[Hidden in reply to Whiskers16]

Ahhh I see , thanks for your replies whiskers, apologies that

[Missy_D in reply to Whiskers16]

With Venlefaxine you should have ECG every year xx

[Hidden]

Depending on the medications you take, bloods will be taken to check the level of White Blood Cells, they dictate your immune system. Some medications lower the White blood Count, and effect your immune system. Once every six months to a year these bloods would be taken to read your cholesterol to check the levels counts generally about 4 upwards, medications and various will also need to be checked, especially if you are taking steroids, Some of the pain killers and NSIDs we take also can affect various levels and lower the white and red blue cells.

Similar bloods are taken for other health problems like Diabetes.

Nothing to worry about, however they can ask you to go on a diet.

BOB

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks bob! very interesting , I am overweight for my height due to comfort eating, cholesterol levels was tiny bit high last time I had a blood test do you think they could refuse medication for that reason, bipolar has been mentioned but diagnosis not confirmed yet

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Your Doctor can arrange for you to see a dietician, some hospitals have courses that explain various life changes that will help

BOB

[LAAG]

My husband had to have bloods and an ECG before taking Quetiapine. It’s because some of the drugs can affect things like blood pressure and cholesterol

[Hidden in reply to LAAG]

Thankyou laag, that makes sense now , I was getting paranoid thinking what they looking for...appreciate your reply!

[Missy_D in reply to LAAG]

Quetiapine is another drug which means you should have ECG annually x

[Gambit62]

They may also be looking for other things like vitamin and mineral levels which can lead to problems - but would generally have expected GP to check that off.

[Hidden in reply to Gambit62]

Thankyou gambit62, yes had low iron in past that makes sense!

[Swiftor]

It is because you must have mentioned chest pain or feeling tighten in chest. Which is first sign of anxiety. Along mentioning rapid and stronge heart beats, so they just wanted to make sure.

Stressing allot can also be tree case.

Not to worry it will be fine, try having stressed ecg which is when they do ecg while you on a treadmill.

[Hidden in reply to Swiftor]

Hi swiftor yes I actually did, racing heart tight chest etc thankyou for your reply much appreciated!

[Swiftor in reply to Hidden]

Welcome, Just to let you know, Do get those check but these are signs of anxiety . i have gone thought his for two months and then found out its all stress and anxiety, which was making worst when checking symptoms online. its good they are checking you but word of advise, do not check your symptoms online. It will make condition even worst.

[Hidden in reply to Swiftor]

That's me all over straight to Google to check all my symptoms and according to Google I've got every ailment out there ! Yes I should stop it it's so easy to fall into the trap of googling every thing, then stressing, aww thanks for advice swiftor 👍

[Enrrmont]

I got bloods down and was told it was just to rule out any other things like deficiencies or thyroid issues.

[Hidden in reply to Enrrmont]

Ahhh really, I was getting paranoid thinking maybe they think I'm drinking alcohol or taking drugs but I do neither but I get paranoid about alot of stuff so I'm probably over thinking, I just couldn't see the connection between heart bloods and mental health but after reading replies I can now ! Kinda making sense, thanks Enrrmont much appreciated!!