EKG Concern

[speaktru]

I was scheduled for back surgery next Monday. Today I went in for my pre-surgery tests, one of which was an EKG. I should mention that during the test I was very uncomfortable with the tech and she kept me talking throughout the test. This afternoon I received a call from my surgeons office and was told that the EKG was "borderline" and that the anesthesiologist would not clear me for surgery until I saw a cardiologist. So, I rushed back to see the cardiologist. He informed me that the EKG showed I had had a previous heart attack. This was very much a surprise to me. I have not had chest pains, my cholesterol and BP are fine and I do not have diabetes. I am overweight.  On exam, the cardiologist did not note anything of concern. I asked about doing a new EKG but he said that it wouldn't give enough information and ordered an ultrasound of my heart and a chemical stress test (I am in way too much pain for a treadmill). I am guessing these are pretty pricey tests and don't really like that he skipped over doing a second EKG.  I am upset that the surgery has been canceled but I am also worried that there may be something wrong with my heart. Now I am seeing some reports that EKGs can give false positives.  Does anyone have any insight?

[kenkeith]

If leads are not secured there will be a drop in the signal and the technician should be aware and correct, so that is an unlikely cause.  Most probable/likely the EKG wires were placed too high on your chest, which will make anyone appear to have had a previous myocardial infarction.

EKG has a low sensitiviy rating which is about a 40% probability of a false positive.

[mammo]

EKG's tend to not show a problem more often than a false positive.  Listen to your cardiologist, there is a reason he is doing the tests he is.  I'm sure this is disappointing to you in that your surgery was postponed, but this is why they do these tests prior to surgery. Without this knowledge, you could suffer a massive heart attack during surgery and maybe die.  Be glad that they are being cautious with you.

[ed34]

The sticky electrodes and wire connectors often give false readings into the ekg machine. You are much better to have an echocardiogram, under stress. They will inject you with a chemical to stress your heart and then squirt on some freezing cold gel after being told it's a 'little bit cold'. This test is much better in your case than the ekg because it will establish how the anatomy of your heart looks. The stress drug can make some people feel discomfort, such as chest pains, shortness of breath but it only lasts for a short period of time. I'm due to have one of these in the next couple of weeks, so you think of me and grin, and I'll think of you and grin.