Frequency of Cardiologist appt.

[sapphillips]

Good evening Dr. Fett and gals -

Being three months post delivery and PPCM diagnosed, I wanted to know what is or should be the frequency of Cardio. appts.

This may seem like an unusual question however, a friend of a friend who is currenty treating nine PPCM patients (in Virginia) stated that I should be seeing my dr. every two weeks..... This brings some concern to me as I am doing every 6 week visits.

Let me know your thoughts......

:confused:
Stacey

[SusanD]

I'm not Dr.Fett, but when I was newly diagnosed I saw my cardio at 4 weeks post -diagnosis and then again at 6 months. I was pretty much recovered at that point (my EF was 45"ish) and then I went to every year.

A lot of it depends on any complications you may have had and how you respond and tolerate Rx increases.

I think you will find quite a wide range as there are no published guidelines for frequency of follow-up.

[sapphillips]

Susan -

Thank you for your input and congrats on your improved ef! :) I figured there really was not a black and white answer, just trying to see what type of range there was....

Thanks again-
Stac

[JAMESFETT]

Susan D is right. It all depends upon the situation, the severity, the type of treatment. If everything is on the upswing, then after diagnosis, the intervals of visits are first follow-up @ 2 to 4 weeks, then @1-2 months, then q 6 mos. If the diagnostic EF is <20 at diagnosis, then more frequent visits are indicated @ 2 week intervals until improvement is evident. When everything stays about the same with EF <30, then q 1-2 month visits are indicated. During the follow-up, no matter what the severity, if there is worsening then immediate follow-up is indicated. I like to see the EF reach at least 40 % by the 4th month post-diagnosis; if not, additional eval indicated.

JD

[JAMESFETT]

In general, quite rapid improvement after diagnosis and treatment with ACE-I + B-B is the expected and norm. Closer observation and reassessment is indicated if that is not the course; although of course some people experience improvement on a much slower pace and well into the 2nd and 3rd year or more.

JD

[sapphillips]

I guess having an ef of <20, not having any significant issues, and being seen by my cardio. every six weeks is good huh??? Just alittle concerned to think that the doctor is not well rounded and in tune with PPCM though - could this be the case????

stac

[JAMESFETT]

Keep close contact with your cardiologist. If I can be of any help he should feel free to call (360-533-5695) or e-mail me.

JD

[michelemc]

Stacey,

My EF was at 15 at diagnosis. I saw my doctor the week after I got out of the hospital, then every two weeks, then every three. I didn't have a followup echo until 3 months after the event (my doctor says this is the new norm). My EF is now 50. I see my cardiologist today to discuss my echo and the results of my nuclear stress test (I have unexplained tightness in my chest). I am guessing he will continue to stretch out our visits as I improve.

Hope that helps!

Michele