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Cardiologist-reasonable expectations?

Posted by lizzyhope @lizzyhope, Jun 3 9:34am

I am new to the cardiology world and had my 1st visit with a cardiologist in January after a concerning ECG. He did an ECHO, prescribed jardiance and metroprolol and ordered a CT angiogram. I've now had 3 visits (1 I made simply to ask more questions) and each vsist he is with me for 5-7 minutes. We never discuss my lipids or other issues, he seems focused on the testing. I also have an endocrinologist I've seen for 20 years who spends 30 minutes with me every 6-month visit. My last visit with my endo was last week and he prescribed me a statin based on my LDL and family history. I'm just wondering if this sounds "normal", or if I should be looking for a new cardiologist? My endo is retiring so I'm already having to replace him-he's the best doctor I've ever had and I'm guessing very rare in how much time he spends. Thanks for any input!

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lizzyhope | @lizzyhope | 3 days ago
In reply to @bobtrev "I had been seeing the same cardiologist for about 20 years. He had prescribed various drugs..." + (show)
Profile picture for bobtrev @bobtrev

I had been seeing the same cardiologist for about 20 years. He had prescribed various drugs and had me get some echocardiograms and a pet scan over the years. Like you, very short appointments, look at the drug list, listen to my heart and "see you in 6 months," every time. Well, 3 years ago he referred me to another cardiologist and, to make a long story short, I now have 3 stents in my LAD artery and a nearly completely blocked circumflex. So, 4 months ago, on a neighbor's recommendation, I went to UCLA because I was feeling terrible. The UCLA doctor appointments have been 30-45 minutes. Med changes have made me feel a lot better, and I wish I had been going there at least a decade ago. They have reviewed all my records, including the weeklong ordeal in the hospital 3 years ago. The stents are too small for a man my size, the circumflex had been ruptured because the doctor tried to "muscle" the balloon in it, and so on. I now have plaque everywhere, do not understand how my cardiologist let it get that way over the years, and am fed up with, flippant attitudes, and 5 minute visits. I will be back in the cath lab, and this next time, at 82, will be at risk. My recommendation is find a cardiologist you can trust.

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@bobtrev -wow, thank you so much for sharing your wisdom, you have convinced me. So thankful you have found good care now at UCLA. Prayers for you.

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larry1844 | @larry1844 | 14 hours ago
In reply to @lizzyhope "@larry1844 thank you so much for this--very good idea on the cardiologist appointment--I will try all..." + (show)
Profile picture for lizzyhope @lizzyhope

@larry1844 thank you so much for this--very good idea on the cardiologist appointment--I will try all of those ideas!
As for my diet & exercise--I jog/run 6 miles every day and have for 35 years, I'm vegan and really clean with my diet. They did genetic testing for me because I have a strong family history of heart disease. I'm low weight (BMI 18) and physically fit, but have a lot of metabolic issues (hypothyroid, prediabetes, a few others) that are all genetic. So, I really don't have more I can do. My HDL is great (96) but my LDL and triglycerides have been borderline for years. So now with the low EF, my endocrinologist felt it's time for the statin. He's my best doctor, so I'm willing to try--just planning on half-dose and 2x/week and then will see if it's helped at all!

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@lizzyhope You are doing well with lifestyle habits. I have no more suggestions. Keep going like you are.

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