Well, I saw the cardiologist again this morning and spent a fair bit of time with him - ECG's, BP tests, scans and finally a stress ECG. He confirmed the Atrium is a little enlarged but says my heart is working OK.
I told him my concerns about my heart rate rising so rapidly when put under any prolonged stress and the breathlessness that followed, and this was demonstrated on the stress ECG - I managed just the 4 stages (each 3 minutes long), with my heart rate as high as 250 on the last one, which wasn't even running - just very fast walking, albeit up a gradient.
He has again dismissed the possibility of ablation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ablation) - the operation that Tony Blair had a few years ago in the middle of his premiership. He didn't think this was suitable for longer term Atrial Fibrillation patients like me, and even cast doubt on the longer term benefits of the procedure anyway - plus the fact that it causes scarring on the heart.
Dr. Broadhurst did suggest two things, however:
- Beta blockers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_blockers)
- Angiogram (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angiogram)
He suggested starting with a low dose of Bisoprolol (I think) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisoprolol.
He did say the Angiogram did carry a slight risk, but this would at least eliminate (or otherwise) the possibility of any other hidden cardiac issues. These procedures are not performed at Albyn, but at ARI, Foresterhill - normally on a Friday. It's a one day procedure but they keep you in for 4 or 5 hours afterwards, and then suggest a 3-4 days off work. Apparently, there's some bruising round the groin area, where the tube is inserted. Next available date will probably be in a month or so - he'll phone me later.
There, that's all the grisly details. Why did I put this in my blog? Well, partly so that I don't forget it - I thought I'd better write it down while I still remembered it. Also, would appreciate any words from the wise - particularly the medically trained in our family.
So, what did I do after this? Why, go to the gym, that's what. It was nearly lunchtime and there was nothing to eat in the office anyway, and I was passing Bannatyne's, so I popped in and did a few of the weights machines, plus a short - very short - swim, then steam room, jacuzzi and a relatively healthy lunch of tuna mayo baked potato with salad, washed down by fresh orange juice, straight from the squeezer. Aren't you proud of me? Might have to compensate with a pint or two now!
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