What Does My ECG Reports Indicate?

Posted on Sun, 22 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 21 Nov 2015 Answered on

Sat, 12 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello
Short history I have been having chest pain in and off for years in the last few years I have had multiple ECG most recent 2 weeks ago
Ultrasound of heart-2014
Stress test-2012
Chest X-ray -2 weeks ago
Loop test 2014
Blood work -2015
All of these tests came back normal and was diagnosed with costo
My question is that I always have some tenderness every day but today I have what I can only assume a flare up
I know I usually get them with change of weather before menstrual and when I over due it by bending or sweeping
I am not short of breath my blood pressure was checked recently all is good but I was getting shape achy pain in upper sturnum and although I am sure I have had this before it makes me nervous it is usually worse when I move should I be concerned that they r missing something more serious

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome again on HCM!

I understand your concern and would like to explain that your chest pain doesn't seem to be cardiac related.

A persistent pain (tenderness), modulated by weather changes, menstrual, and body movements seems compatible with a musculoskeletal disorder, such as costochondritis.

Coming to this point, I would like to confirm that besides the unpleasant feeling, this condition is not life-threatening (no any serious, dangerous complications could arise by that inflammation).

I recommend you consulting with your doctor (GP or internist) for a careful physical exam to investigate directly for clinical signs of local inflammation and its severity.

Also some blood tests are advisable:

- complete blood count
- PCR,
- erythrosedimentation rate,
- fibrinogen,
- uric acid level,

Pain killer agents, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like naproxen, ibuprofen, etc. would be helpful for relieving your complaints.

Regarding cardiac exploration, no further tests are necessary, as it seems you have a perfectly normal heart.

Hope to have been helpful to you!

I remain at your disposal for further discussion, if necessary.

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (5 minutes later)

Hello
Thank you so although I am somewhat sure that this is costo is there anything else I can because when it flares as of today it disrupts my life ... Would physiotherapy help would mesages help is there. Specialist I can see

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:

Hi again,

You need to discuss with a rheumatologist for an optimal modulation of therapy against pain.

Physiotherapy, coupled with breathing exercises, use of massages, heat/cold pads, transcutaneous electrical stimulation and electroacupuncture, dry needling therapy, etc. are rationale options when considering costochondritis management.

You need to discuss with your doctor about the above mentioned issues.

Regards,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (9 minutes later)

Great
Thank you I just wanted an opinion from a cardiologist if this was cardiac
Again it hurts more with movement and certain ways I turn
U have indicated I do not need any more cardiac work up
I just wanted to hear it from a specialist opinion

I will seek an appt with a rheumatologist

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome!

Detailed Answer:

Feel free to discuss with me whenever you will have any further uncertainties.

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (14 hours later)

Hello
So I am planning to c my gp today and recommend those tests
So I do not need further cardio work up

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No further cardiac tests.

Detailed Answer:

Hi again, dear madam,

No, you don't need to explore further on any possible cardiac issue, as all the above mentined cardiac tests result normal.

Furthermore, your clinical symptomatology looks compatible with an inflammatory disorder.

I would like to assure you about that.

Besides that unpleasant pain, nothing dangerous could arise from this history.

A systematic review of the reason for that articular inflammation is necessary.

You should talk with your GP about that.

Hope you are having a nice weekend!

Regards,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar