Have you gone to a cardiologist for a check up?

[cleo29]

I have a fair amount of heart disease in my family, from both sides, and think it might be a good idea to get checked out, just to make sure there are no early warning signs. I do get heart palpitations from time to time, but I don't think it is anything major.

If you have, what did they do?

[mrssavy42112]

Yes, I did. I have a long line of heart disease in my family also. My PCP heard a slight murmur a few years ago & sent me. He listened to my heart & did an EKG. That was it. He explained what I had & that it will not affect my heart function. I go once a year for a check-up to make sure nothing has changed. In & out in 20min. Plus, it kind of helps that all 3 Doctors at that practice are smoking hot

[MWOS]

I wouldn't go to a cardiologist for a check up. I'd start with my primary care doctor. I have to get echocardiograms because of my genetic disorder. It's actually my sports med doc who orders them. If we found an issue, then I would go to a cardiologist.

[laptopvixen]

Are you coming next Saturday?

[cleo29]

Sept 13, 2012 9:54:52 GMT -5 laptopvixen said:

Are you coming next Saturday?

Yes and I can't wait.

And thanks for the advice, I will just go see my regular doc first.

[evee]

I have a cardiologist as well for MVP and PFO. Neither are life threatening but I do take medication each day to stop palpatations. I was having 4 to 5 palps a minute though. The meds lower my heart rate and regulate heary rythm.

I had to complain to my old PCP about 5 times before he referred me to my cardiologist.

The testing I had to do what HORRIBLE and I wouldn't even wish it on Toledo, its so bad.

Anyway, it never hurts to get checked out. That is my opinion anyway. I'm glad I did instead of listening to my stupid previous PCP who said I had anxiety issues and placed me on all kinds of anxiety meds that messed me up horribly.

[laptopvixen]

Yay, good!

[jaylea]

I, like MWOS, would start with your PCP. Make sure they know of your concerns with your family history, but they should be your first line of screening. I'd only move onto a specialist if there was a concern.

[orangeblossom]

Start with your PCP first. I do have a cardiologist, and he handles all of my BP and arrhythmia meds. Even though I don't need referrals, I like to use my PCP as my first line of defense and for them to recommend to people they've had good experiences instead of wasting my time. Also, getting a referral can sometimes get you in the door sooner rather than just calling someone and asking to be seen. Good luck.

As for what I get done yearly: echo and stress test. I get an EKG everytime I go.

[flipflopsandwine]

I do. I have tachycardia and several more PVCs than the average person. I just finished up all my testing with my new cardiologist. He did an ekg and then an echo. I also did the 24 Hour Holter monitor because of the palpitations. That is where he determined the palpitations were just PVCs as opposed to something serious.