septal infarct

[Tracyli]

I am a 53 years old female, I recently have earache and headach, mostly dizzy especially at morning and night that last few days so I went to my doctor and did the blood test and ECG. Blood test result comes out normal except cholesterol (218) and LDL cholesterol (135) are high which I have a family history and has been taking medication for high cholesterol. But my ECG result comes out abnormal- sinus rhythm, probable septal infarct, P/PR: 110ms/ 140 ms, QRS: 98m, QT/QTc/QTd: 432 ms/439 ms P/QRS/T axis: 50/15/46, Heartrate: 64 bpm  I sometimes feel short of breath. I don't have chest pain but feel my chest is not clear. I don't have health insurance. Need some advice on my symptom. Help !

[Tracyli]

Thank you for your prompt reply. I will keep your suggestions in mind. Again, I really appreciate your help. Best wishes to you and your family !

Tracy

[erijon]

I would personally request a stress test, one with a nuclear tracer if possible. Typically, they run about $600 or about $200 for a normal stress test. That would rule out any problem with an 85% accuracy rate, but if your doctor was not insistent that you see a cardiologist, he was probably taking your overall history in consideration and determined the EKG to be a false finding.Trust me, if he had any concern he would be referring you to a cardiologist. Just watch for symptoms of heart disease and go see your doctor again if anything changes.

Good luck,

Jon

[Tracyli]

I felt much better after I read your reply. My doctor did not take it serious. She simply said it is up to me if I would like to see a cardiologist and do other detail tests which may be costly and because I don't have health insurance so she did not strongly suggest. I have been taking medication to control my cholesterol but it is my heart that worries me. Do you think I should have another EKG done again just to see if I get the same result ? Does it mean anything ? I am doing fine these days but sometimes my chest has kind of heavy feeling. Thanks for your advice. I really appreciate.

[erijon]

Today, EKGs are read by a computer and quite often they show false abnormalities. If any of the leads were incorrectly placed it would show a septal infarct. This is why EKGs need to be read by a qualified doctor or cardiologist. Did you doctor suggest any additional tests or a follow up a cardiologist? A septal infarct would suggest a previous heart attack on the septal wall, but again if your doctor felt this was an accurate interpretation he would be sending you for follow up testing.

Also, your cholesterol numbers are not too far off and should be easy to control with some lifestyle changes, but have your doctor lay out an exercise and diet program for you.

Let us know what your doctor said about the report.

Jon

[Tracyli]

Thank you so much for your reply. Yes, it is scary to know that you are getting old and no health insurance. May be I should consider to move to Canada. Thank you again for your kind comment.

[vienna13]

I am sure somebody will answer for you. I don’t know how to read an ECG result. But I wanted to tell you how unfair I think your health system is in USA. Many people need treatment and they can’t get it, while others with insurance are over treated often. Some people would go to another and another and another cardiologist, even when the first one was telling him / her she is OK. I know sometimes people need second opinion and that’s OK, but those cardiac neurotics won’t be able to get the..Who knows how many examinations in Canada, so here when we need a cardiologist we have one. All people and we get it free.
Good luck to you to find the way to have a good doctor. In that age must be scary not having insurance.
And always remember: it is not your fault! In this expensive world I can see, how people simply cannot afford it.