Your clinic visit will be in the Outpatients Department at Royal Papworth Hospital. We may ask you to attend the hospital for other tests on a date before your actual out-patient appointment. These tests could include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET), Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT), or Right Heart Catheterisation (RHC).
When you arrive for your outpatient appointment you will check in and then wait to be called through by one the of the specialist nurses who will check your pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturations, weight and height. We will spend time talking to you about your general health, your heart and lifestyle (education, jobs, sports and leisure). We also talk to young people about the inheritance risks of their condition and about family planning. For women specifically, we will discuss possible risks during pregnancy.
We will have received a summary of your notes from your previous consultant or GP.
You will then have a heart tracing (electrocardiogram, or ECG). Once this has been done, you may be sent for a chest X-ray, (CXR) blood tests, an echocardiogram (ultrasound test of your heart “ECHO”) or an exercise test (ETT).
You are welcome to bring a friend or relative with you for support. If you do bring someone, you will be given the opportunity to speak to the doctor or nurse alone if you would prefer.
The doctor will examine your heart; explain your condition to you, agree a management plan with you and discuss a plan for future follow-up. You will have plenty of time to ask the doctor and nurse any questions.