What should I expect seeing a cardiologist for the first time?

Question

Hello,
Wednesday I went in for my routine colonoscopy (I am 15 years old and have colitis) and before the procedure the doctor noticed my heart rate was around 40 beats per minute, when it should have been 60-100 bpm. Then during the procedure it dropped even lower.

It really freaked my doctor out, so they did 2 EKGs, after the colonoscopy, and both came back abnormal. He referred me to a pediatric cardiologist, and my question is: What should I expect on my first appoitment with him?

Any info is appreciated!

Answer 1

Nothing much to worry when you see a cardiologist for the first time.

First, expect that a nurse will first check your vital signs (blood pressure,pulse rate,respiratory rate,temperature). Your weight and height may be measured as well if you do not have the recent record of them.

The doctor then would ask you details on your health history, family history, some personal information,etc. Infomations that will be asked will help to get some clue of your condition.

Then the doctor will do assessments so expect that you will be examined. An ECG may be done once more.

Expect also that a doctor will require some blood investigations. It will be required to be done at once if seem to be very necessary but if not really urgent, the doctor will require the results to be seen on your next appointment.

Everything will depend on the initial assessments of the doctor. The following will probably be done as well but not necessarily all at once during your first appointment: a chest X-ray, an ECG stress test or a 24 hour ECG monitoring, or probably a cardiac echocardiogram.

Just be relaxed - that will help your doctor to find out what is going.

Answer 2

A lot of questions.
A lot of blood work.
Do not freak out. They are harmless. You just developed hypotension during your procedure. Also expect them to be very kind.

They work hard and have worked hard in med school and residency to get where they are. They know their stuff.

Best wishes. I have a feeling all will be well for you. Sometimes blood pressure drops during a procedure.