
Without knowing the particulars (results of cath, echo etc) it's hard to suggest specifics.
A few questions:
When was his last Holtor Monitor? A Holtor monitor records the electrical activity of the heart for 24 hours so they can see what it is doing during the day. When you have symnptoms during the day, you push a button to "mark" the recording to see if it matches with any unusual activity.
Are they sure the lightheadedness was from his heart? There are many reason for getting dizzy as you know, and they don't all have to do with the heart
Have you gotten a second opinion? Many times we just assume since the doctor we have been going to for years says something, that's it and that's all you can do. Many times a second opinion gives a doctor a fresh look on your case and they may have an answer that was not thought of before. You don't have to tell your present doctor you're going if you feel awkward, but if he/she is out of options, they might encourage it. I would obtain the most recent cath, EP study, echo, EKG, labs, and any office notes/tests from the ER before you go. Your curent doctor's office should give this to you without questions. Some offices charge a fee for the copies, but most offices will fax copies to another office for free.
Try to get the name of a cardiologist from a friend that goes to him/her. That kind of referral is the best.
You should always obtain copies of any test you have done and keep a file for your own use. You should not be charged for getting a report sent to your home as you have each test done. I usually bring a self addressed stamped envelope with me to the doctor's office on the day of the test with the name of the test I want a copy of, and they put it in my file so they can't forget :)
Good luck and please let me know what happens.
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Posted by kphelps
My husband has runs of bigeminy with his heart rate in the 30's. He had a heart cath three years ago and no issues there. He is on lisinopril, carvedilol, flecainide, norvasc, potassium plus a med for anxiety, I believe it is clonazepam. He started getting very light headed, almost passed out so went to the ER. They sent him home and uped his flecainide dose. He went to his cardiologist, they did an echocardiogram. M.D. called and said his ventricle has gotten larger so he is going to confer with an electrophysiologist, which my husband saw a couple of years ago.
They have said a pacemaker would not do any good. We are pretty much at our wits end. Can you make any suggestions?