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DH heart health investigation anxiety

5 replies

Elementarymydear21 · 14/09/2025 21:00

My DH had a GP appointment this week as his left ankle keeps swelling by the evening following an infected insect bite he had at the end of June. We was expecting this to be related to the bite or maybe just some water retention, but the GP listened to his heart and said she thought she could hear some fluid. She has suggested he may have backflow in his heart and has sent him for blood tests, chest x-ray, ECG & an echocardiogram. Other than the swelling in the one ankle at the end of the day, he doesn't have any symptoms for backflow. His resting heart rate is usually around 40 - 50, no palpations, no dizziness etc.

He does have some fatigue, but he also has a stressful job, is doing a part-time masters degree with work which he struggles with as he has adhd, we have a toddler and had our 2nd baby 1 week ago. So the tiredness makes sense.

His blood pressure can occasionally be on the elevated end 128/75. He has been asked to take this twice a day for 7 days. Hes 34 and slightly overweight, but does run twice a week and is out for at least 2 hours every day walking our dog. However, he is also quite stressed & we have just had our 2nd baby who has also been in & out of hospital all of this week for phototherapy treatment for jaundice. So its probably not the most accurate of weeks for recordings.

Im trying to hold it all together because I don't want to stress him out more. But with being freshly post partum then this news, I can't help but worry that something bad will happen to him or that something bad will be identified through their tests. I don't think I could cope without him.

He has had the blood tests and x ray already this week, he has the ecg in a week's time and we're just waiting an appointment for the echocardiogram. However, whilst we are waiting, has anyone had anything similar before that could offer any advice or reassurance?

OP posts:
HappyTalkingAndLaughing · 15/09/2025 05:12

That BP is classed as completely normal unless his norm is to be even lower.

If he doesn't have symptoms of any problems and can exercise without any ill effects l can't see that there is anything seriously wrong and you have a decent GP who isn't afraid of referring for more tests.

Realisation14 · 15/09/2025 06:44

Sometimes GP refer to be on the safe side. I had a GP tell me my mole was 100% suspicious and refer me to dermatology only for them to tell me it was completely normal just by looking at it and photographing no biopsy or removal even needed. The GP freaked me right out for no reason! The results of the chest x ray will give a good indicator if there is any fluid. Chase the results for peace of mind.

groma · 15/09/2025 09:30

Did the gp advise about exercise whilst he is waiting for his investigations? If not please check as I doubt he should be running until he has had the results of his Echo and ecg?

anyolddinosaur · 15/09/2025 09:48

People with heart disease are often told to exercise, he shouldnt stop without medical advice. He could possibly shorten his run or run slower and maybe elevate his legs when sitting. He could also look at reducing his salt intake.

His gp is, rightly, being cautious but if there is a problem its highly likely to respond to treatment.

Elementarymydear21 · 18/09/2025 14:19

Thank you all! The blood tests, xray and ecg have all come back as normal so far with no concerns. Just waiting for the echocardiogram test but hoping that will be okay too. My husband is also going to follow up and ask for an xray on his ankle as we do think he has an issue with his foot that the doctor hasn't really focussed on.

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