Echocardiogram

Hello everyone,

I've had my Bi-ventricular pacemaker for a year now and out of the blue I have had a letter from the hospital saying my doctor has requested a Echocardiogram. I went for my year check up with my cardiac consultant about three weeks ago and the Echo wasn't mentioned, in fact, he was pleased with my progress and said I can do whatever I want now. Is it normal to have an Echo at the end of the first year of implant? Thanks you for any advice. Baz

7 Comments

re: echo

by sfbaywalk - 2011-09-22 04:09:40

I think ... standard practice annually

maybe

by Tracey_E - 2011-09-22 06:09:18

I don't have one that often, more like every few years, but a lot of drs do then annually. I'd call and ask however, sometimes those letters get sent out automatically rather than after reading your file.

I think it depends

by walkerd - 2011-09-22 07:09:14

on your condition, I really didnt see in your bio why you have it. I have one yearly, but I had 4 heartattacks and did some damage to my heart and my cardio watches mine maybe a little closer. Its not that big of a deal to have it, if you have insurance to cover it, could get a little costly if not.

dave

Its for the good

by fishfighter - 2011-09-22 07:09:25

any time they do one. Even better if they have the pacemaker group there to adjust your pm even more.

For me, in the last 6 months, I had this done 5 times which gets the most out of your pm. Reason for me having it done so many times is that I'm in heart failure all together.

Check EF?

by Bill T - 2011-09-22 08:09:53

The reason that I was upgraded from a St Jude Dual to ST Jude CRT-D a few months ago was that my EF was in the low 30s. My EP and cardiologist explained that the ventricular synchronization should help increase my Ejection Factor. I haven't had an Echo since but I do feel better and have more energy than before. I expect to have an Echo next year and hopefully my EF will have a significant increase.

Best to you,

Bill T

Yep!

by donr - 2011-09-22 11:09:03

Annually.

No big deal - it just surprised you since it was not mentioned. They can learn al sorts of neat stuff w/ one of those. Word of warning - they keep the lotion/lube they use in the freezer till just before smearing it on your warm chest. You will hear al sorts of gurgling sounds & whoooooshing sounds coming from the loudspeaker. That's just your blood rushing through valves & amplified beyond belief. If you peek just right, you may be able to see the display showing what is happening inside your heart - valves opening & closing, blood flowing, walls moving, etc. If you hear the tech muttter an expletive - don't sweat it - she probably just dropped the transducer on the floor. It'll be a little gritty when she places it back on your chest.

Ease your mind - call the Cardio's office & ask "WHY?".

That's really not treating your head well to let that get sprung on you. BTW: Cardios are not noted for treating their patients head along w/ their heart.

Don

Echocardiogram

by Baz - 2011-09-23 02:09:06

Thank you everyone for the feedback it is very much appreciated. Baz

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