What Does My ECG Test Report Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 4 Sep 2015

Question: I had a second ecg done and my doctor would like me to go for echo, the nurse who called said something about poor R wave. I have no history of heart disease and other than anxiety I believe that I am a healthy 47-yr old female. When my doctor first called to schedule follow-up ECG she said rhythms are fine and no heart attack. I can't stop worrying though…my echo is not for 6 weeks.

Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
ECG is not a 100% accurate, so an echo was ordered to confirm or rule out

Detailed Answer:
Dear Mrs,

The ability of ECG of detecting problems is not a 100%, also it is possible, that sometimes we see changes on ECG, but there is no serious underlying problem. So in case of abnormality, we first repeat the ECG, then we order an echo, to evaluate the structure and function of the heart.

Don't worry, as I told you earlier, there is no emergency, it is just regular check up to make sure that everything is OK with your heart. You can safely wait for 6 weeks until your appointment for echo.

You have no complaints, there is no acute change on your ECG. Nothing will happen until your appointment.

Wishing you good health

Regards,

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

Follow up: Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (10 minutes later)

Thank you again for your help. So you do not think I have had a previous heart attack?

Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome back

Detailed Answer:
Dear Mrs,

Actually the possibility is very low that you have previous heart attack, but we can say for sure after echo.

Take care

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

Follow up: Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (5 minutes later)

Low based on my health? I don't have high cholesterol and no one in my immediate family has heart issues, I have a lot of high stress and had slightly high blood pressure which is now normal, it was not extremely high and over a brief period of time. I am 5 ft 9, 155 lbs.
What else could poor r wave mean?
thx

Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome back

Detailed Answer:
My dear,

Actually you have low risks to develop heart attack.
Poor r wave can indicate either impaired heart muscle function or nothing.

Regards,

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

Follow up: Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (3 minutes later)

how serious is impaired heart muscle function and what causes this?
thx

Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome back

Detailed Answer:
It can be evaluated only with echo, but you don't have symptoms which could indicate to serious problems.
So, don't worry.

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

Follow up: Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (10 minutes later)

What symptoms would I have?

And would lifelong asthma affect my heart at all, not severe but I do use ventolin as needed (allergies, cold, exercise) - I also had pneumonia about 5 months ago.
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome back

Detailed Answer:
Symptoms are chest pain and breathlessness on physical exertion. In severe cases there are ankle edemas.

If your asthma is not very advanced, it shouldn't cause heart issues in your age.

Regards,

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

Follow up: Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (19 minutes later)

Sorry, one last question - when I first spoke to my doctor about getting a follow-up to the first ecg she said rhythms were fine and no heart attack, is that a good sign even with the apparent poor r wave?
thx

Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome back

Detailed Answer:
Yes, it is a good sign, your doctor also think there is no heart issue after your examination. Anyway an echo is needed to rule out any abnormality.

Good luck

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

Follow up: Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (3 minutes later)

Thanks again, I really hope there is no abnormality and it is just a normal variant.
I am too young for heart problems and have never experienced anything like this with my health.
Thx

Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Don't worry so much, everything will be OK.

Take care

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

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