"Almost completely normal" ECG

Hi all,

I had an ECG done today because for a while I've been having what feels like extra, strong heartbeats and some dizziness. The doctor told me the ECG was "almost completely normal, but not quite there", so he sent me for an ECHO. The ECHO dd come back normal, but he didn't give me any further information about the ECG, apart from that it "seemed like nothing to really worry about, if your symptoms get worse see your GP".

So I guess if it had been anything very definite and serious, they'd have spotted it, but... what else could cause a slightly abnormal result? Even though the doctor says don't worry, of course I'm going to worry! I don't know how safe it is to exercise, because I often seem to feel very bad after I exert myself in any way, and sometimes the feeling doesn't go away for a long time. If I knew what else could possibly produce an abnormal reading, maybe I could understand a bit more!

Many thanks to anyone who can help!

[Brooke_38]

Hello...

EKG's are very sensitive, they are meant to miss absolutely nothing. Many times, after further testing, you are told that the findings are wither insignificant or benign...In your case, further tests were done (Echo) which confirmed a normal appearing heart.

Based on the symptoms you were experiencing, it was most likely related to PVC's. These can cause you to feel dizzy, feelings of an extra strong heartbeat etc. I really wouldn't worry about this. I know that even though the Dr told you not to worry and I'm telling you not to worry...it is a normal reaction to worry when you don't have a definitive diagnosis.

Was this done in the ER? It would probably make sense to schedule a follow-up appt with your Primary care Dr to discuss the findings of your EKG. If it is what I mentioned earlier, many times Dr's will choose to perscribe a Betablocker if symptoms are intolerable.

Good luck and I hope you are able to feel less worried about this:)

[SarahEH]

Thanks very much for your response. I actually had the ECG done at a clinic organised by CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) - I just decided to do it for myself, because I'd been having these unpleasant symptoms. Unfortunately they didn't tell me *how* my ECG was abnormal, whether it showed PVCs, PACs or some other abnormality - I could definitely feel my heart beating during the test, though, I felt some particularly strong beats against where the electrodes were! Though not as unpleasant as sometimes.

Anyway, as it was done by an organisation completely external to the health service, they will pass the results on to my GP, but they said this would be done "within 4 weeks" - and as it's Christmas too, I don't know when I'll be able to go see him. Plus, the doctor I saw at the clinic is probably a doctor who works for a hospital so I have no way of tracking him down to ask him any further questions.

He certainly didn't seem worried about the extra beats, or the times I feel like my heart is beating very faintly - he said it was a lot more serious if your heart races inexplicably, but that doesn't happen to me.

My GP prescribed me beta blockers (half-inderal) in the past for anxiety, but I stopped taking them 2 years ago because they made me feel uncomfortable. He subsequently prescribed me propanolol 10mg to take on an as-and-when basis, but I haven't dared take them recently because, like I say, my heart doesn't race, so it doesn't seem right to take something that slows it down even further, if I already feel dizzy and faint!

I don't know if just having some underlying anxiety could affect an ECG - I didn't feel particularly anxious at the time, I certainly wasn't having any other symptoms.

Thanks again for your response - I'll try not to worry too much! ;)

[drdan503]

You're coping great but do to the uncomfortable sensations your mind will probably not be at ease and it would also be smart to have a more detailed opinion by a cardiologist not your GP.  Get a referral if you can. They may wont you to were a holter and note the cardiac "event". Anyway its probably benign.  Other medical conditions and panic attacks will need to be ruled out