Saw cardio today - lots of tests

[Allisoninoz]

I visited my cardiologist today because of nocturnal coughing and general tiredness that seems to be getting worse. He wants to rule out any respiratory prob so is sending me for chest x-ray and to respiratory specialist and has also changed my renitec 10mg for hypertension (mild) to a 'cousin' of the drug as apparently renitec can cause coughing (although i've been on it for 20 years without incident - since I was about 20).
He's also referred me for a stress echo (treadmill) and full bloods etc from my GP (family doctor). After they are all done he'll see me again (late June) unless something else happens in between.
He emphasised that they don't do surgery until it's necessary. I said I don't want to wait until symptoms are really bad and he said it wouldn't get to that.
I'm glad he took my concerns seriously and there are tests happening. I have a gut feeling the only thing causing the night cough is the bicuspid valve pressure. And that I'll be having surgery before the year's out...
Any comments folks???

41yo female
patent ductus repair 1972
coarctation aorta 1979
bicuspid aortic valve - watching and waiting ...

 

[Ross]

Sorry, not much to comment on until the tests are done.

 

[drivetopless]

Hi, Allison. First, good luck on your tests. Hopefully, your symptoms are not heart related. When you say nocturnal coughing, what do you mean exactly? Steady coughing all night or waking up coughing?
Unlike Ross, I'm a master at speculation without information--could also be sinus drainage or sleep apnea.

 

[nngbwh]

Sounds like your cardiologist is on the ball .Keep us posted.

 

[COLLEEN S]

He emphasised that they don't do surgery until it's necessary.

Lol, like we are just HOPING AND WANTING SURGERY. My 2 cents...wait till you get the respiratory results back. Take one day at a time.

 

[Bill B]

Yes, if you have been feeling more tired lately and have a chronic cough, you certainly did the right thing. And so did your cardiologist. I suppose cough could be a sign of heart failure, but I would expect other symptoms as well, such as shortness of breath, and physical signs that your cardiologist would detect on exam. Like Ross said, wait for the test results, but don't hesitate to pursue this if you feel progressively worse or develop other symptoms in the interim. You could be right in your suspicions. My valve went downhill rather quickly over a 9 month period, and you'd rather have the surgery while your still in pretty good shape.

Bill