What about when the ventricular runs are less than 100bpm, is that consider vtach, as I thought vtach was a beat of over 100bpm? Also is it possible that the runs could have been artifact, my doctor went as far as to say this wasnt real either.
Hello,
Thank you for your question.
First, patients with no evidence of structural heart disease (normal echocardiogram) with ectopic beats (PVC's, PAC's, etc) have an excellent prognosis.
In regards to pauses. There is no way of knowing unless you ask your physician to show you the pauses. However, it is not unusual for the automated interpretation to call pauses when there was no pauses. One reason could be that you were not hooked up to machine at the time. That is why a human being must over read the automated interpreter. However, there is no way of knowing unless your physician shows you this.
In regards to runs. A run of PVC's >3 beats is called nonsustained V-tach. However, in a patient with no evidence of structural heart disease the importance of this in terms of prognosis is minimal in general.
In regards to runs of SV beats. Runs of SV beats with HR's<150 is not likely due to a true "SVT", as it not fast enough. Again, not likely of any clinical significance.
No ST segment elevation or depression is a normal finding. In means you had no changes on your EKG that are consistent with ischemia. This is a good thing.
Thank you,
Dr. S