How often do you see a cardiologist?

Cardiologist?

by AgentX86 - 2019-03-05 09:06:22

First, you probably should be seeing an electrophysiologist, rather than, or in addition to, a cardiologist. Cardiologists are plumbers, EPs are electricians. If you have a pacemaker,  you have electrical problems.

That said, I have both and if everything is going right, I see each every six months. Things never seem to go right, so it's really more like every three months, on average.

You probably should be seeing an EP at least once a year, if for no other reason than to maintain a healthy relationship.

Cardio Visit Frequency

by Ticker01 - 2019-03-05 09:09:54

I have had a pacemaker (CRT) for 5+ years now.  Because I take a beta blocker, and just for wellness checks I go every 6 months to see my doctor. Over the years I have had to have med adjustments to relieve symptoms such as tiredness as exhibited by blood pressure drops, etc. I would think if you are symptom less you should see your doctor at least once per year. Best of luck to you. 🙂

The Magic Box

by Grateful Heart - 2019-03-05 09:56:48

I used to see the Cardio every 3, 4 or 6 months depending.....for the past 10 years.  The nurse would check my device every 3 months.  I would see the EP only if there was a problem and my device needed an adjustment.  My EP is 120 miles round trip.

I had a device change 7 months ago and with that.....I got a "Magic Box" that is supposed to monitor you from home.  So now the doctors rely on this "Magic Box" and I was told to not come back for 1 year. 

I've had nothing but problems with this "Magic Box".  The lights go off constantly and the scale doesn't register at times.  I've had the "call the doctor" lights flash.  My husband said if we didn't see that light flash for ourselves ....we would have never known that light went off.  How many times has that light gone off that we didn't see?  It is clear nobody monitors or gets notified when this "Magic Box" goes off....at least not in my case.  Technology replaces live doctors more and more.....at our expense.  I rarely use the word "hate".  I hate this "Magic Box".

Grateful Heart 

Two years In

by MartyP - 2019-03-05 10:43:34

I see the EP every 3 months and the cardiologist every 6 months - I'm 75.

CB

by IAN MC - 2019-03-05 14:29:38

It is crazy to waste a doctor's time if you feel OK.

i haven't seen my E.P. / Cardiologist for 6 years and , nice guy that he is, I have absolutely no desire to see him again UNLESS I develop any worrying symptoms.

Ian

Ian

by Grateful Heart - 2019-03-05 16:27:26

I thought in the UK you see the cardiology physiologist (technician) instead of the doctor for device checkups.  How often is that?

Grateful Heart

Grateful Heart

by IAN MC - 2019-03-06 04:06:25

Hello GH  ..... it is always good to hear from you.

You are absolutely right. Here in the UK , PM interrogations and adjustments are done by highly qualified technicians. Mine is done once a year but I'm now entering year 9 so I guess they may increase the frequency soon.

The only magic box that I have is small, made of titanium and is implanted under my left shoulder.  If you hate your remote "magic box" so much why don't you parcel it up and " return to sender" ?

Seriously, they're not compulsory in the U.S. are they ?

Best wishes

Ian

Magic box

by AgentX86 - 2019-03-06 08:21:26

Good grief! Of course they're not compulsory. Pacemakers aren't "compulsory". The remote monitors do save time and money, however. If you don't like it, simply unplug the box and shove it under your bed to play with your dust bunnies. It would be rather stupid, though. They're useful to diagnose "things that go bump in the night" with the heart.

You don't even have to see a doctor regularly but don't be surprised if it takes a month, or more, to see a specialist if you don't have a regular relationship. Perhaps that's not an important factor outside the US, since it can take a half a year to see a doctor a d another to get necessary tests. Whatever.

Agent

by IAN MC - 2019-03-06 11:48:36

You will be trying to tell me that guns aren't compulsory in the U.S. next   : )

Ian

Ian

by AgentX86 - 2019-03-06 12:35:48

No guns aren't compulsory, except in Kennesaw Georgia and they have an exceedingly low crime rate. In fact there is a strong correlation between gun restrictions and high crime.

Remember, I'm not the one who is insisting on bringing politics into this group but as long as we're here...

Appointments

by Pacemum - 2019-03-06 16:12:13

My daughter sees cardiologist (plumbing) annually but she is being monitored for a congenital valve issue.

She did see the EP cardiologist every 6 months and has the Carelink monitor at home which is hidden behind the TV in her bedroom.  She now has the new model PM which is supported by the new Carelink smart reader and app.  However, she has not had a follow up since January implant so does not have the new reader and phone app details yet.  Therefore, unable to  comment on relability but it appears alot more convenient than the large monitor.