Sasha had been having unexplained heart palpitations for years. When things started getting worse her GP referred her to CardioScope who were able to offer diagnosis and effective treatment.
Having a loop monitor fitted
I had heart palpitations for years. My GP told me it was nothing to worry about. But then I started to get quite bad ones – feeling like I might faint or blackout. They were quite scary.
I went to see my doctor again in 2014 and he gave me a device which recorded my heart rate for 24 hours. This showed my heart was really racing. So he referred me to Dr Van Lingen at the Duchy Hospital.
I was given ECGs and other tests but nothing really showed up. These more severe palpitation events were happening once a month. So I was given the Loop recorder, which I had for three years. That picked up my arrhythmia.
A diagnosis at last
As well as the loop monitor I had another scan, and they diagnosed me with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. My heart was enlarged and the muscle wasn’t working right. It could have been hereditary, or it could have been a virus. They don’t really know what the cause is.
Treatment and follow up
Since 2015 I’ve been taking various drugs and everything has calmed right down. It’s been brilliant.
Every six months I go in for an ECG. I feel like I’m being really well looked after. Not just sent off to get on with things now they’ve worked out what it is. They are monitoring my response to the drugs, sometimes they need to tweak the prescription.
When I first realised I need to take medication for the rest of my life I was pretty upset, but they are really helping so now it feels ok. Once you’ve been diagnosed and start getting treatment it feels like there’s hope. You can start moving forwards.
My experience with CardioScope team
I really take my hat off to the team at CardioScope. I’ve been really well treated. I went into all of it with an open mind – it’s just been absolutely amazing.
It’s been great to have Dr Van Lingen all the way through my treatment. That’s been really important. He knows all about my condition. It’s crucial to see the same person. Especially when it’s your heart – it’s scary.
I have been blown away by how easy the experience was. I was well taken care of, the procedure was really smooth.
Getting referred to the Duchy Hospital
I was referred by my GP to the Duchy Hospital. It was very straightforward. It happened really fast. Just a few weeks. Nothing has taken long in the whole process.
I get sent a letter for my appointments – I have the option to change it every time which is really handy. I feel really safe at the Duchy Hospital – everyone is so professional and friendly.
The parking is free, which is amazing and it’s always very easy to get a space.
Life’s back on track
I’ll probably have to take these drugs for the rest of my life, but my life feels like it’s got back to normal. Obviously I’d rather not have a dodgy heart, but if you are going to have one I’m so glad that I’m going to the Duchy Hospital for treatment. I’d say you’re definitely in safe hands with the team over there.
