ST abnormalities - possible digitalis effect

[stevie_wonder]

I just had an ECG done because they are testing for Long QT Syndrome. My ECG showed ST abnormalities- possible digitalis effect. I have never taken this drug so what does the abnormality mean.

[finetilthree]

Was it ST segment depression?  There are many causes of that only one of which is digitalis which obviously isn't it if you've never taken that medication.  What is your age and sex?  I have St segment depression on EKGs and it is considered a normal variant since I have had a nuclear stress test that shows that I have no ischemia.  In other words, as long as they have done tests to make sure you have no blockages and no part of your heart is ischemic (not getting enough oxygen)then it is likely nothing to be concerned about.

[stevie_wonder]

I am a 42 year old woman, not overweight and am pretty healthy. My sons ped cardiologist looked at my ECG because we are being screened for Long QT Syndrome and she said that my ST looked funny and should be checked out in an Echo.
Thanks,
Stevie

[Barbarella]

I've no more faith in the new computerized EKG's and refuse to have another one taken.  Here is why:  My EKG showed that I had a previous heart attack sometime in the past.  Well, I didn't think so but heard that you can have a heart attack wihout pain or any symptoms.  I was referred to a Cardiologist whose very first words were "Don't worry since the EKG's are now computerized I get so many "false previous heart attacks" just to find out that people never had a heart attack".  I had to go through numerous tests including a TEE test where they put a tube down your throat into your chest to see your heart/ heart valves/ and any kind of damage.  Long story short I've a healthy heart, never had a heart attack in the past etc etc.  I don't need that.  Untill all these tests came back I was worried sick "what if, and how bad is my heart damaged from this previous silent heart attack"???  All the Cardiologist had to say was "I figured you didn't have a heart attack but since the EKG stated you had one I had to run all this tests to be sure, these damn computerized things".  

I say if they give so many "false silent previous heart attacks" as this Cardiologist stated then go back to the old EKG's.

[SassyLassie]

I know this post was over a year ago, but, I have been looking up sites that might explain my ECG. Mine, too, last April, said ST Abnormalities, possible Digitalis effect. Well, what the heck does that mean, I have never taken the stuff. I told the ER doc to check it against one I had in 2004, and they did and they looked almost identical, but, since the machine said it was abnormal, they went through the entire heart attack protocol of putting me on oxygen, giving my beta blockers and my blood pressure is already a low normal. Then, they admit me for 10 hours to watch me and to take troponin levels, etc. All this time, they are telling me I am not a heart attack risk, and to not worry, well, geez, who wouldn't, I was absolutely petrified. Anyway, they did another ECK, and more blood work later, and all was well, I do not know what the other ECG said, but, they told me if it was no worse or even better, they would send me home, which they did. They said I was a very low risk heart attack candidate, but, since that damn machine said what it did, they had to take precautions. I know this sounds awful, but, I think one reason they admitted was because the hospital had NO patients at all, and they have needed some one. That is nasty, but one does wonder. Anyway, since that night in April, I have been a basket case. I have been told by other docs to not worry, that these new ECG machine give false readings, but, I am a worrier, and I worry all the time.

I guess the joke was on me, I went in that night for bad back spasms, the doc was getting ready to send me home, and I, like a smart elec, asked for the ECG. I have since found out my back spasms are due to a very bad case of hyper-kyphosis and costochondritis, ugh.

I was really surprised at the ECG results as I have perfect blood pressure, a great ankle/arm index, resting pulse is text book, and in 2004 when I was scared with PVC's,  a holter monitor and its readings were OUTSTANDING, (doctors quote). Yes, I have PVC's too, but, they are benign, they just scare me, praise God, I only get zero to 3 a day, if that even, usually when I am uptight, or eat a lot and my hiatal hernia causes them to act up.

Gosh, I wish folks would not depend so much on computers. Anyway, Barbella, I am with you, I know longer trust those darn things, some things are better left the old way.

Thanks for letting me vent, even if it is a year later, this is the first time I have seen this title in the forum, I was beginning to give up.

Blessings
Susie

[candeec]

I recently had an EKG for family history.  My son's EKG came back with borderline prolonged QT, which we are going to see a pediatric cardiologist.

My results came back stating Normal Sinus Rhythm, but showed a Right Atrial Enlargement, ST abnormality, digitalis effect, abnormal ECG.  What does all this mean?  For the past year, I have had several MRI's for left leg pain, dizziness/weakness.  Could this be causing it?