Abnormal EKG Result

[canadacan]

Sorry if this is a double posting - I don't think I got the wrong category last try. I went in last week for an EKG for upcoming elective surgery and it came back abnormal. EKG results (taken 3 times to confirm) are as follows: Sinus Shythum - Q in anteroseptal leads - probable old anteroseptal infarction. Summary: Abnormal ECG.  Quite a shock, as I am 56, 5'5" 138 pounds, non-smoker, health and exercise focused, strong, active, non-smoker, and with no prior health issues, particularly no problem ever regarding my heart.  Since the EKG was done outside of my insurance, I am now waiting in line to be seen by a covered cardiologist to retake the EKG and get the necessary tests.  I am very nervous and anxious, with no idea what this means. Any thoughts or insights you can provide will be very much appreciated during this uncomfortable waiting period for me. Thanks.

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

Anterior septal myocardial infarctions (heart attacks) are often over called by EKG machines.  If you are not and have not had any symptoms of chest, shortness of breath, etc, this is likely an over call on the EKG.  Additional testing (if even indicated) is likely to confirm this.  I can't say without seeing it, but you probably don't need to sweat this one.

[canadacan]

I want to send you a follow up note.  My abnormal EKG was followed up by a second ECK and Echo.  The cardiologist found that I have MVP with trivial leakage - no heart enlargement or thickness of valve. He deemed my heart to be very healthy. I also have zero calcium/plaque buildup. I proceeded with the elective surgery and went through general anesthesia 5 days ago.  The only issue I have now, 5 days after surgery, is that I have mild discomfort in/around my heart area.  It persists at night time - when I am sleeping, it wakes me up, and then I focus on the feeling of twinges and very mild pains directly in and around my heart. I am having more than the usual heart "flutters" which are often associated with MVP.  I am aware that surgery causes stress on the body.  I have not gone back to the cardiologist because I was so recently found to have a healthy heart with as close to zero probability of having a heart attack or disease as is possible.  Should I be concerned about this "heart awareness/mild pain" I am now experiencing?  My thought is to wait a few more days to see if it is just related to the stress of surgery, but I don't want to be foolish. I would very much appreciate your thoughts.  Thank you.

[canadacan]

Thank you kindly for your reply.  You have lightened my apprehension, and made it a bit easier to wait until it is my turn to be seen by the cardioligist and take whatever tests he may prescribe!