ECG analysis

[hankstar]

About 2 months I had my wife rush me to the hospital after severe chest pain off and on all day lasting usually less than 1 minute, but is was so severe alter in the night and lasted for about 5 minutes, I went to be on the safe. As I stated before I have ankylosing spondylitis that cause attacks of costochondritis
and also fibromyalgia, but with chest pain sometime you do not want to take chances.

The ECG taken that night stated:

Vent. rate 89 bpm, I was nervous at the time, usually around 64 on the atenolol.
P duration 120ms
QRS Duration 84ms
PR interval 162ms
QT interval 370ms
QTc 420ms
P-R-T axis 46  -1   20      Stated Sinus rhythm within the normal
                            Limits.

                            Summary Normal.(computerized printout)

On this ECG in Jan 2004 my R waves in lead 1 measured 10mm

On a previous ECG in Jan 2001 2001 the R waves in lead 1 measured 18mm

I had an echo that same day 2001 and result showed marginal concentric LVH. greatest measurement was 12mm diastole.

This ECG in Jan 2004 had no suggestion of LVH, most other ECG s had the voltage criteria for LVH. I would think that a drop of 8mm in lead 1 on an ECG in 3 years is significant.

I take Cozaar 50mg daily and atenolol 75 mg daily in divided doses. My B/P now averages around 110/70 compared to the
140/90 before. Do you think that the reduction of 8mm in the R wave in lead 1 could mean that the mild hypertrophy has regressed, I'm about 10 LBs, lighter now.

QTc interval usually .40 latest printout .42(computerized) any signifance?

Thanks

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

Hank,

Thanks for the post.

It's possible that the decrease in R wave in lead I represents less myocardial voltage, but many other causes are more likely -- with the most likely cause being just simple old lead placement or body position.

Obviously, a repeat echo could anser this question, but the cost is fairly high to answer this largely esoteric question.

The change in QT is almost certainly insignificant.  This interval is known to vary widely with changes in autonomic tone.

Congrats on the weight loss.

[baseballfan]

I must agree with the above poster that you seem to be preoccupied with your EKGs, your PVCs, etc. You usually tell others that what they are feeling is normal or nothing to worry about, yet you continue to monopolize the forum with your own repeated concerns. I know that there are some posters who appreciate your insight into their concerns and answers to their questions, but be careful to caution EACH one of them that you are not a doctor. And I think your statement that you will continue to answer questions but not ask them is a great idea. There are other people with concerns and questions, too. Thanks.

[njrob]

Baseball fan-  if people are intelligent enough to navigate to this site and ask a question then they certainly can distinguish a doctor's response from one offered by a fellow forum member.
Hankstar has always generously shared his educated opinion and advice responding to many questions and is always friendly and gracious.  Also his own questions, although they may not specifically relate to everyone, often result in very useful information in the response and follow up comments.
To criticize someone for posting a question is detrimental to this forum and flat out rude. Everyone has the same opportunity to post a question for the doctors each day.  
  I read this forum daily to get information and this is the fourth time that someone has been insulted because of their questions/posts and subsequently have not posted again. Isn't that the purpose of this forum (or any forum)? To lose the participation of Hankstar in this forum  would be a genuine shame.
You give baseball fans a bad name.

[JazzyJJ]

I really get a lot of help reading your comments on peoples problems. Do you haveinsight or advise to my post on the 29th? I really would like your view also. Thanks

[I'mallheart]

Hank
your awesome..yove given me great understanding..and make me research my own diagnosis..your doing this forum good,
thanks
dave

i had a crazy night last night,,,,almost went to the ER but calmed myself down..palps just are not fun..but oh well gotta keep on living..

PS I reccomend to all if you can see THE PASION great movie

[jkf]

Now Hankstar,

DON'T overreact to those silly comments. If we continue with  comments and responses like that, then we are all sure to loose this forum as it will be viewed by the doctors and Cleveland Clinic as counter productive. We all respect you and it would be better to just not justify those specific comments with an answer.  You are a big help to people who come to this website and they are a big help to you.  Don't walk away.
Jodie

[jkf]

good memory because that was over 2 years ago.  I still get those stupid pauses before that fast rate.  Fortunately only about twice a year.  I think I used to have the nickname (frenchie).  I figured you  just got peed off and over reacted to that poster.  I'm glad you aren't going anywhere.
J

[NBCT]

Once again, to ask questions on this forum is luck of the draw,
everytime. If someone does not know the answer to any concern they may have, whether it be one skipped beat for the first time last week, or interpretation of test results from years ago, their should be no one judge and juror among us.
I found this site over 3 years ago when I first felt fear of every beat. I read every post when someone would say, just relax it's normal, and would go insane. It was new and not normal to me. Focusing on what was happening and when, what it was and why through testing, and learning to cope with it(beta-blocker helped me) has made me actually want to say now, just relax, it's normal....but I know that is a learned behavior, by empowering yourself with knowledge, finding a supportive cardio. and realizing you are not alone and can get good advice from others who care.
I found out over the years and others have commented the best time to get a question posted is early a.m EST (8-10). I have clicked on the post and got a chance to question many times, but had nothing of concern to me at those times and would return to reading other posts instead.
Wish all the best of health.......and Hankstar...a certified bank check would be needed from you....however...it won't be accepted by anyone on this forum who thank you for your support and insight. Take Care....quick tempers aren't healthy!!

[medking]

Hankstar ... NO REASON TO LEAVE ... WE / I RESPECT YOUR INTELLIGENCE AND YOUR GREAT QUESTIONS ... I WILL BE DISSAPPOINTED IF YOU LEAVE.  YOU BENEFIT SO MANY .. HEY MOST OF THE TIME I WAIT FOR YOUR RESPONSE AS MUCH AS THE DOCS.

STICK AROUND PAL WE NEED ONEANOTHER AND YOU HAVE BEEN GREAT !!!!!

[NHS]

Last fall, I made my first visit to this forum. Since then, I've been reading, with interest, the information provided by the doctors as well as the comments from the posters who "converse" in this forum. I hope that everyone ("new kids" and all) will continue to provide their insights and thoughts. I think they're a wonderful resource for all who visit here.

NHS

[noreaster]

Glad you're feeling better Hank. I would also be very disappointed if you left the forum as both your questions and comments are very interesting.

[jobob52 ford]

Hankstar is a true blessing.
He isn't a Doctor but is very well educated and best of all, blessed with a photographic memory.
From time to time he shares his e-mail address and people who can't post a question otherwise, post through him.
Hank doesn't have WPW but his intrest in WPW intrigues me, especially as complicated as it is. (See a couple of posts back) I'm a wpw patient who is quite perplexed by it all and Hank picks the ball up and runs with it. He asks the questions that I don't know to ask.
I've never spoke with or e-mailed Hank but I know he is concerned with all who post here. Hanks form is a matter of fact in this Forum. Pay attention!
Thanks, Bob

[bigmick]

Hey Hank,

Hang in there fella: don't let one or two rude and ill-considered comments steer you away from this forum. I'm SURE that the VAST majority of posters here would be most disappointed if you stopped posting - I know I certainly would.

Maximum respect fella,

BM

[baseballfan]

I was neither rude nor ill-mannered. I never asked Hankstar to not post again. I merely suggested he give others the opportunity to ask questions. The window of opportunity to ask questions is very small and I, personally, would feel greedy asking as often as Hankstar does. I am an everyday reader who rarely posts and usually can't get a question in when I try. I have ALOT of experience in the health care profession both as a caregiver and as a patient. I see my cardiologist at least every 6 weeks so most questions can wait that long anyway. I know how important it is to find support and to offer it. I am happy that you have seem to find it in each other. I , unfortunately don't find that here. Anyway, enjoy each other and enjoy good health and read people's posts carefully before you jump on them. And about giving baseball fans a bad name.......that one really wasn't deserved. Thanks

[Mom 2 3]

Hankster

You are way to preoccupied by your health and how do I know this because I am like you I struggle daily with this and after reading all of those posts I realize that I to should not be reading these postings on a regular basis I will leave my health up to me and my cardiologist.  What do you say we ride off into the sunset to live our lives and never look back.  Good luck.

[jkf]

hey, if you would be so kind to answer a question for me off line?  My e-mail address is ***@****.  
Thanks

[NBCT]

Just a little "for your information" not everyone who accesses this site "works" during the day...I do the evening shift....and there are even night shifts....there are many time zones...also students...homemakers...retirees...disabled people...not to mention the independtly wealthy, etc.etc.....who may, by ONLY LUCK, get a chance to post a question on this forum on any given day.

[mrsww]

You said to someone in a post of 2-10-04:

"Sound like if singing or straining cause your heartrate to drop you could have an high vagal tone"

I have the same thing happen, plus add to that, -hard laughing- at comedians and such.

It has also been said that a damaged Vagus Nerve may cause these things (pvcs).

http://www.bartleby.com/107/illus793.html

So how did *my* (and others) "normal" Vagal Tone go from -normal- to high; and how do we get it back to normal??

you or anyone my email me at

sally67011yahoo.com

[JHR38]

The ECG taken today 13 april 2004 COMPARATED with one in 23 January 2002 from normal ECG to borderline ECG, My question is what i need to do to go back to normal?

13 april 2004
43 years old
65 inches
180 lbs

Vent rate        62 bpm        Normal sinus rhythm
PR interval     146 ms         Rightward axis
QRS duration     80 ms         Borderline ECG
QT/QTc      404/410 ms
P-R-T AXES  29 97 16
    

23 january 2002
41 years old
65 inches
180 lbs

rate    65         Normal sinus rhythm, RATE 65...
PR     155        NORMAL P axis, PR, RATE & RHYHM
QRSD    81          Normal ECG
QT     370
QTc    385  
AXIS  
P       40
QRS     80
T       -1