I think it is their job to give us the best quality of life.....which is different than living a long life. I agree that US doctors are pill happy. Big Pharma courts MD's with all kinds of temptations to use their wonder drugs. I had one cardiologist tell me his job was to "tweak medications". I take cardiologists with a grain of salt. I was told at 23 to get my affairs in order.....at age 30 they told me not to get pregnant as the medications would be unsafe for a developing baby and my heart wouldn't tolerate it. I did my own research and decided it was my body and life to risk. I lost a cardiologist over the issue but I did deliver two healthy daughters. I was also told I wouldn't work due to my health....but I went back against medical advise...to work for nearly 30 years as a RN before my CHF made it too difficult in 2005. But in 2015 I stabilized and improved and now work part time for improvement of my quality of life......I do the best I can with medication and diet compliance but I am not perfect....but I feel empowered to be an active partner with my cardiologist in my health care.

That is very true Colin, but unfortunately those changes are not always good, I do believe procedures have come a long way no doubt about that at all, but not so much in medicines,

Hi jimmyb. Well it’s unfortunate that the cardiologist said that to you. But in a way he’s correct. They are supposed to help us live longer, but more importantly they are supposed to help us live better with our heart conditions. Unfortunately some doctors-of all disciplines and specialties- still have the God complex. Some tend to take it personally if you don’t listen to them or follow their suggestions. What they often forget is that it is still our body and our life. And we have to make the final decision as to what we think is best for us - right or wrong.
Now your decision is do you like what he’s done for you so far and if so, can you “accept” his stupid comment? If yes, stay with him because good knowledgeable docs are sometimes hard to find. But if not then start looking for someone that believes we work as a team. Good luck and God Bless.

Get someone new. I fired my first cardiologist. He told me it was his way or the highway. I hope he gets a flat tire. My new cardiologist is wonderful.

It is their job to help us live longer but they should also be addressing any concerns we have regarding treatment and medication side effects after all it's our life.