How long did you have to wait to see a Cardiologist?

Thanks, he has had workups from his PCP.

He does not have diabetes, his total cholesterol is under 200 with his lipids a little elevated, blood pressure under control with a low dose of meds, daily baby aspirin, holding off on the statins until he sees a cardiologist due to his Gilbert's Syndrome (elevated liver enzymes) so he wants to discuss risks/benefits, his diet is stellar (I do all of the meal planning) and I have reduced the total fat intake further since getting his CAC results. He is active and the same weight as high school (he is 68). Honestly we were shocked by his CAC results! He had it done only because of his cholesterol being borderline.

It's apparent his PCP didn't feel it was urgent, but to us it sure feels that way. Also where I live there is a shortage of providers so I wondered if others had similar wait times. I do know that his overall health profile is in his favor.

@heartme
Wow- he is doing everything he should do. The number I believe is also due to genetics.
I understand your concern regarding starting statins.
Does your PCP have an opinion about starting statins? Has Zetia been discussed?

His PCP was pushing statins on him but was not familiar with how they may interact with his Gilbert's Syndrome. The little bit I found online about people with Gilbert's suggested that he may be more susceptible to myalgia due to his raised liver numbers. We're going to wait to meet with the cardiologist to discuss statins and possible alternatives (he was not offered alternatives).

@heartme
Your PCP should be aware of Gilbert’s Syndrome and the effect of statins in general.
There are alternatives if your cardiologist recommends lowering the lipids.
When you finally are contacted by the triage people you could possibly ask to be placed on a cancellation list- people cancel all the time.
I know the frustration of having to wait to get an appointment- where I live there is usually a long wait to get to see the best doctors. This problem is especially common in countries with national health insurance. My daughter lives in Europe and has to wait 4-5 months before she will be contacted with an appointment for a sleep study.

Unfortunately "should" and reality don't always meet up with medical providers and life in general.

Yes, the cancellation list request was a plan once we hear from them after triage.

I'm in the US so these waits are starting to seem more like countries with NHS etc. I hope more from the US will chime in to let me know how long they waited as I'm curious if it's becoming a new norm here.

The PCP knows about Gilbert's.

You don't say the numbers for HDL, LDL and Trigs ... what are they? What med for hypertension?

Start there, then maybe injectable statin ... PCPs are smart and very useful in getting numbers under control ...

I posted here to inquire about people's wait times. I do not wish to get into the specifics of my husband's numbers, prescriptions, what he should or shouldn't take and debate what we know about his PCP. Thank you.

Right - I'm out.

One thing you can do is call your insurance company and get a list of other cardiologists in your area. You can then go online and check out their credentials, their education their experience, etc. You can try to make it sooner appointment with one of them that looks promising.

Another thing you can do is find out when your husband's cardiologist's office staff confirms upcoming appointments. I was able to see a specialist, who was booked several months in advance, by calling the office every day around the time that the staff became aware of cancellations. The fourth time that I called was just after a confirmed appointment fell through and, though I was not at the very top of the wait list, I was given that appointment.

Pleasant persistence can pay off a lot because the medical community is still short-staffed and overworked. Another suggestion is to ask the cardiologist for a referral to a cardiologist whom he or she respects highly. You might end up with a really good cardiologist. And maybe the knowledge that you're willing to shop for a different doctor may cause your husband's cardiologist to decide to fit him in earlier.

I had no trouble making an appointment with a cardiologist in about three week’s time. BUT, I live in Northern Virginia near an excellent hospital and that makes a huge difference in wait times! Do you live near a large university?