Anyone out there have to get an echocardiogram before cardiologist would give you clearance?

[lose4life2 152]

Went to my cardiologist appt today for my cardiac clearance since I am over 40 my surgeon requires it and well so does my insurance. He said chest xray looks great, EKG looks great and so since you have shortness of breath ( INSERT I HAVE ASTHMA) he is making me have an echo to make sure my SOB isn't pulmonary hypertension. Now I have to say I am 44 yrs old and before today have never ever visited a cardiologist, but I know a lot of pulmonary hypertension and I don't have it. Just wondered is this a normal test or is he just being strange since everything looks good otherwise? Thanks.

[Pelicanlady 122]

I am 58 and mine did the same thing. I have exercise induced asthma and they asked if I get winded when I walk. I told them if I am walking up hill yes, but catch my breath fast. Still had to have it done. Everything was fine and I am now almost 4 week post op. Hoping everything will go good with you.

[lose4life2 152]

Thanks, I just thought he was being weird!!

[ImOnMyWay61 55]

Yep, I had mine and im waiting for my insurance to approve. It wasnt that bad. Its over before you know it.

[ImOnMyWay61 55]

Honestly the preceedure was part of the list of things I had to get done before my application for the sleeve was sent to the insurance. I believe it is all standard tests just to make sure everything is alright. They make you walk (starting slow), then they gradually speed up and incline. I was accually shocked how well I did. I get winded just walking up 7-8 stairs. I did great. You can ask to stop the treadmill when ever you feel you have had enough. You can do this

[maxcimax 220]

My surgeon requires an echo also. In my case i'm on oxygen 24/7 & I use a CPAP. I also have Afib so it was important to make sure I didn't have any blockages. My cardiologist & pulmonologist both signed off on my surgery. My breathing has already improved. So glad I had this surgery.

[lose4life2 152]

Thanks everyone. I just thought it was strange, but then again I've never thought I'd have WLS either. So it's all new to me.

[mi75 1,235]

Having an echo OR a stress test can be a routine part of most pre-op work ups if you are over 40, have hypertension, or any cardiac history. some surgeons will require it regardless as a part of pre op workup, no matter your age or history!

a regular echocardiogram is insanely simple, you simply lie on a table and various pictures are done. an echo is an ultrasound of your heart and will check your valves, structure, and pumping mechanism of your muscle.

a stress echo is a little different, they will first take resting ultrasound pictures, then you will walk/run on a treadmill to stress your heart a bit, then they will VERY quickly take more ultrasound pictures.

a stress test is something else all together, just a simple treadmill test where you will walk at various speeds and inclines to make sure your heart can handle activity and look for signs of ischemia (blockages). there are also non-walking forms of stress testing where you have an isotope injected into an IV.

these tests are all pretty easy and designed to make sure that you are going to tolerate anesthesia well, can undergo the rigors of surgery and won't have any cardiac issues. better to be safe than sorry. best of luck!

Edited August 2, 2014 by mi75

[#9grammy 274]

My surgeon requires an echo also. In my case i'm on oxygen 24/7 & I use a CPAP. I also have Afib so it was important to make sure I didn't have any blockages. My cardiologist & pulmonologist both signed off on my surgery. My breathing has already improved. So glad I had this surgery.

maxcimax, I'm on O2 at night and when necessary during the day, so glad to hear you got the clearance. I've been so worried over my breathing, so far my pulmonologist won't sign off till Oct when he sees me again. I have cardio apt Aug 22 and don't know what will happen. I've had CHF and can't pass a regular stress test, I can barely walk a 1/4 mile on treadmill without being sob.

My surgeon seems to believe all will work out fine and losing the weight could help my COPD.

Again I'm happy to read your post and see you have had the surgery and doing good with your breathing.

Thanks Linda

[lose4life2 152]

I got my echo done and everything came back normal. They actually called me with the results from the cardiologist office before I even got home and I only live 15 minutes from the hospital. So cardiologist clearance ✅ psychologist clearance ✅ one more weight management class and endoscope and I'm ready to send in my paperwork for the insurance okay. I'm so excited and so nervous all at the same time, but I sure hope my surgery is very early September.