Private cardiac MOT 5 years on?

[Scout2017]

Hi everyone... I'm just coming up on 5 years since an 'out of the blue' heart attack and cardiac arrest. My annual CHD review is due, and I pretty much know what to expect - they'll weigh me, ask me about my exercise, check my bloods and ask me how I feel. No red flags from that I'll be on my way with a cheery wave and the nagging feeling that I had no symptoms prior to that first episode... So I though I'd investigate whether I can see a cardiologist privately and see what other tests and checks they might do, ECG, echo, maybe even a calcium MRI. Anyone have any experience of doing this privately in the SE? I'm in Kent. Cheers!

[tonylongman]

Hi I have similar history to you, no awareness of a series of heart attacks leading up to a CA in 2017, since then I saw my cardiologist every year, initially on the NHS then going privately because of long delays for an Echocardiogram. As I understand it, you might want a regular ECG to check on the electrical stuff and an Echo to check on the physical performance of your heart, however its only an angiogram that tells them how your plumbing is and whether you have any blockages that need stenting or ballooning . My cardiologist isn't keen on regular angiograms because of the associated risk and because he says it offers no guarantees that one won't have a heart attack shortly afterwards, even if it looked clear re the angiogram. I'm based in Norwich and it costs me about £500 for the Echo and ECG and £150 for the consultation. Interestingly, I have a friend with similar health issues who "throws" money at this and goes to Papworth and one of their top consultants, despite having loads of tests on a regular 6 monthly basis he has still suffered from periodic heart attacks and other cardiac problems that the cardiologist "hadn't seen coming" so Im still not sure whether regular tests are any better than shouting loudly if/when any symptoms arise!