question-icon

What Does My ECG Test Report Indicate?

default
Posted on Sat, 14 Nov 2015
Question: I'm a 49 y/o morbidly obese woman (320 pounds). I was in the process of losing weight this time last year, and had lost 40 pounds; however, in February I injured my upper back, lifting my grandson. I've been mostly bedridden since. I am now trying to regain my activity level. I gained 50 pounds from inactivity. Two weeks ago I had a serious drug interaction (Requip, Norco, and Tenazadine). I was seen in the Urgent Care the next day, after little improvement from the lethargy the night before. The doctor ordered an ECG. My question concerns the results... sinus rhythm, intra-atrial conduction delay, slight high-lateral repolarization disturbance, consider ischemia, LV overload or aspecific change, small negative T in I at aVL, Borderline ECG. I am concerned because of a family history of heart disease. My PGM had congestive heart failure, PGF died from an anurysm, MGF had three MI's finally resulting in his death. I just discontinued the Duragesic patch 12 mcg q 72 h almost a month ago, and have been unable to pick up my propanolol prescription for three weeks, taken for migraine management. Although, the drug interaction is long gone, I still suffer from lethargy, swelling in my lower extremities, and sob when in severe pain or upon moderate exertion. My doctor has ordered an Echocardiogram because of family history but doesn't appear to be concerned. Do I have need to worry. What does this mean? And, is it safe for me to begin exercising. I have a free gym membership, and I'd like to use it.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Following advice

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

Before giving a more accurate answer I would like to check by my self the ECG image. From what you are reporting it seems a borderline normal ECG and as a such you shouldn't worry to much.

However, ECG machine reporting is of help, but it needs to be reviewed by a specialist to confirm it. Can you upload the ECG image for me?

Moreover, based on your positive familiar history for cardiac events and your obesity you should be scheduled for a complete cardiac check up including:
- Blood work
- Cardiac ECHO
- Stress test

Yes it's safe for you to start exercising gradually. This will help to loose weigh and to improve your symptoms.

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr.Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (3 hours later)
I happen to have the ECG print-out, and will upload it first thing in the morning. However, I do have one other question I'd like to ask... My primary care physician told me that my sudden onset of severe fatigue could be caused from my heart or the discontinuation of the Duragesic patch (without being titrated - the pain mgmt doc wasn't aware of how long I'd been on the stuff) after being on it for 14 years. Plus, I had a bad drug interaction that caused me to lose consciousness. (My husband didn't call 911.) I had the ECG performed the following day because I was still listless. Could that be true?

Also, at the time, the Urgent Care doc did both a liver panel and tests for Epstein Barr. I will upload these as well. While I did test positive with most of the human race, only the IgG for EBV. I couldn't help but notice that a high EBV IgG is >21.9. Mine is 270.0! Could all of this be related? The last two weeks have been like having the worse case of the flu ever!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I'm waiting for the ECG image to be uploaded!

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Before commenting about the ECG I would like to see it. I will wat for the ECG image to be uploaded before making any comment about it.

After reviewing your test results it seems like an EBV recent reinfection which may be responsible for some of your concerns (especially for the flue like syndrome and myalgia). This infection together with the withdrawal of Duragesic may have provoked your crisis.

I'm waiting for the ECG image to be uploaded!
Dr. Shehu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (2 hours later)
Hi, I have provided some attachments. Please review them.

As a follow-up to the ECG reports, I just returned from my training consult at 24 Hour Fitness. I ran into some difficulty while doing an exercise, requiring me to stand-up then sit down while being supported by belts connected to weights. I swear my heart was going to flutter right out of my chest. I broke out in a cold sweat and felt dizzy. I began to feel faint. I had to quit and sit for a while. When I returned home I was still short of breath, and my heart was still fluttering (frightening feeling). I'm now lying down, and my restless leg is acting up. I'm getting worried.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (20 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Following advice.

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

After reviewing your Ecg I would like to say that it's normal and you shouldn't worry about it.

However since you have experienced shortness of breath and dizziness on physical activity you should go on ER again to exclude any life-threatening situation. Only after that you should schedule for above mentioned examinations.

Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu


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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Benard Shehu

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2257 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Does My ECG Test Report Indicate?

Brief Answer: Following advice Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you for asking! I read your query and understood your concerns. Before giving a more accurate answer I would like to check by my self the ECG image. From what you are reporting it seems a borderline normal ECG and as a such you shouldn't worry to much. However, ECG machine reporting is of help, but it needs to be reviewed by a specialist to confirm it. Can you upload the ECG image for me? Moreover, based on your positive familiar history for cardiac events and your obesity you should be scheduled for a complete cardiac check up including: - Blood work - Cardiac ECHO - Stress test Yes it's safe for you to start exercising gradually. This will help to loose weigh and to improve your symptoms. Hope this will be of help! Wish you health! Dr.Shehu