Is it possible to request a heart scan privately in the UK?
Posted , 2 users are following.
I'm a 28 year old male from the UK. I have an average build and as far as I know there is nothing wrong with my heart other than the fact I suffer from left bundle branch block which was diagnosed in 2015. From the age of 16 up until the age of 26 I was a moderate smoker and I smoked anywhere between five and ten cigarettes a day. I quit more or less straight away when I began to experience pain in my chest after smoking. This was a sharp, stabbing type of pain which, like a pulse, would occur every time my heart contracted. These episodes typically lasted anywhere from a couple of seconds up to half a minute and were very scary.
Fortunately for me, no sooner had I quit smoking than the pain departed from me. However there has still been a handful of times in which it has returned, the most recent of which being just under a week ago whilst I was out shopping and lasting for about 20 seconds. This most recent occurrence was particularly uncomfortable and harrowing, to the extent I have been more than a little worried ever since.
This is why I have booked an appointment to see my doctor soon as I would like to request some type of scan to check if my arteries are clogged or to determine if there are any other problems which need seeing to. The problem is that I highly doubt the doctor will grant my request for a scan but will more than likely to listen to my heart using his stethoscope, give me a clean bill of health and then send me home. Such an outcome as this will do nothing to help my anxiety so should I be refused a scan I was just wondering if anyone could tell me if there was anywhere else I could go to get a scan privately. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
A worried man
0 likes, 2 replies
wendy12420 EnigmaUK
Posted
I was diagnosed with this in January and my cardiologist said it was important to do thorough heart investigation as this condition often means you have another heart condition, luckily after my investigation I appear not to have anything else wrong.
Cezzy46 EnigmaUK
Posted
Hi EnigmaUK,
I am presuming you at least had an ECG when you were diagnosed with LBBB?
You can have a private referral to a Cardiologist & a private echocardiogram. All you have to do is ask your GP. You can even select the doctor & the hospital because you'll be paying or leave it to the GP; however, hold your horses for now. Yes, your GP will listen to your heart & as you have an existing condition & are experiencing odd symptoms, I would think it highly likely that the GP orders a repeat ECG & blood tests. If an abnormality shows up then you'll be referred for an echocardiogram. This is an ultrasound of your heart. You may probably have a 24hour holter monitor test of your heart. This records your heartbeat & any iregularities. You may also have a nuclear stress test too. You will also be referred to a cardiologist & the whole lot will be free with our beloved but raggedy NHS.
Try not to second guess what your GP will say because as you mentioned, that will not help anxiety. Remember sometimes anxiety symptoms can mimic heart symptoms, but if you are concerned then these symptoms should be taken seriously. Try to see a GP that you trust. If you don't feel your concerns are taken seriously, make a second appointment with another. Remember there may be another reason for your symptoms, so try not to worry. Hope I've been able to help.