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Avatar universal

False reading?

I recently visited a weight loss clinic where one of they performed an EKG and took blook work.   Before they would allow me to joing their program, they are insisting I go see a cardiologist because my EKG was 'borderline'.  That is all they could tell me. Of course I can't afford to go to a cardiologist but should I be concerned.  
I am overweight, am 39yrs old, and was told I had high cholesterol a few years ago.  That is why I went to this clinic, to lose weight and lower my cholesterol, now I an concerned that something serious is going on.
When the  nurse was performing the EKG, she had to keep moving the prongs around and then was baffled because it read 'low voltage'.  
Is this an error or should I be concerned?
Thanks
2 Responses
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230125 tn?1193365857
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Low voltage on an EKG can be seen with hypothyroidism, fluid around the heart and obesity, among other causes, these three are probably the most common.  I can't really comment on whether it is an error because I can't see the EKG.  Cardiac clearance or risk assessment is not uncommon for weight loss clinics because some of the medications they try can affect the heart.  You are kind of stuck because they have told you that you have to see on to enroll in the clinic.  They will proabably require a letter.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
OH MY GOSH!!! I was searching the net because just today I was at a weight loss clinic and the exact same thing happened to me! How obese does one have to be for it to affect voltage? I'm about 45 pounds over.- age 43. Also, I have hypothyroidism. I take medication. If related to hypothyroidism does this mean I need a higher dose? What effect does this have on my heart if it is related to thryoid and if not thyroid will the voltage ever return to normal? I'm totally freaked out about the "other causes" such as Amylordosis, Scleraderma and Hemachronatosis. If not any of these and still low voltage what to DO?? Sorry a ton of questions...just really afraid!
Helpful - 0

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