Should I insist upon a heart specialist?

[June]

Hello, I mistakenly posted my question as a comment.  It is actually a question I'd like considered.  I hope you don't mind my trying again.  Thanks, June  

Should I insist upon seeing a heart specialist?
I'm new to my state and, of course, new to current doctor.
Experienced:
Severe chest pains, shortness of breath, heart felt like it would beat out of chest, pain in neck and jaw, legs ached badly and felt as if no circulation was getting to them, felt as if I would pass out.

Doctor visit days later:
Blood Pressure 160/110
Height:5'4" Weight: 136 Age: 35, Female
EKG: inverted T-waves
Doctor said,"I'm concerned about inverted t-waves.  See you in one week."

Family history:
Father: heart attack at 34, died at 60 of heart attack
Grandfather: died of heart attack at 48
ALL aunts and uncles on father's side have heart disease

I'm not comfortable with the fact that I was sent home with no medication or idea as to how to "take care of myself" until the next visit. Should I insist upon a specialist?
June

[Sandy T.]

Dear June

I would like to see how you make out with your doctor. If it isn't too personal please reply back to the question you posted and let me know how you are doing!!! Take care Sandy T.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Thanks for your comments and helpful suggestions.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Most internists can at least start a cardiac work-up and then refer if something comes back positive.  At this point in your evaluation there are still other things besides the heart which could be causing your problems and it wouldn't be prudent to go to a specialist just yet.

[Sandy T.]

Dear June,

I went for years of the symptoms you have as well as a lot more. Do you have trouble laying down flat and if you do, do you cough all the time? with being so young my doctor kept saying it was allergies or the fibromyalgia I have. I was at work in June and I passed out because I couldn't breath and had terrible chest pains.   The doctor at the hospital called in a cardiologist because it turned out I was having something called serious cardiac arrhythmias and I was sent to another cardiologist who specializes in the elcetrical part of the heart in another city.

I have been waiting all this time and I still don't know what is going on with me. Both cardiologists say that these things can take alot of time to discover. I know that it all seems very scary but it seems your doctor has started investigating by giving you a e.k.g. [ in canada we call them e.c.g.]I as well have alot of history in my family of heart problems. The fact that your doctor wants to see you in a week is a good sign I think. I keep a daily diary of all my symptoms and that helps my card. evaluate me better.

When you see your doctor next tell him that you would like more information and to reasure you about things. My card. at home sometimes says all these medical terms that he understands but is greek to me so I just tell him, hey!!! I'm not the one who went to med. school talk to me in english please. It may be that he/she wants to gather a little more information before he/she consults with another doctor. After all the comments I have read in this forum and as well as my own history these things can go on for a while before there is any answers given. There is so many medications now that can make things better very quickly. I have learned that alot of heart meds. have a lot of side effcts so make sure you ask your doctor or pharmacists for a print out if you receive any. My cardiologist got a second opinion for his sake as well as mine. Don't be afraid to ask for one. remember it is your life and you are the one who is experiencing these symptoms Your doctor will probably order an echocardiogram. a stress test and a holter monitor to wear 24 or more hours. don't let that scare you it is procedure. You may be sent to have your lungs checked out. I guess the reason I have responed to this question this way is if I had had this information at the start of my problems I would of felt alot better. I was very worried to begin with and now I'm going with the flow. I'm sure your doctor will tell you if there is any need for grave concern. I hope you will search through other questions that have been asked. I t helped me alot to understand. Take care and I hope that all goes well for you. Remember ask your doctor questions and tell him/her you need to know what he is planning to do.