What does a PR Interval of 0 mean?

[rmworrywart]

Meds: Avandaryl,Coumadin,Xanax,Diclofenac,Neurontin,Enalapril,Protonix

A recent month long cold with lots of coughing etc, no fever and more frequent bouts of shortness of breath sent me to see my PCP. I thought I developed pneumonia like several other people I know who had the same lingering cold.

After verifying my lungs were clear and my oxygenation was excellent he gave me an ekg since it was in my records that I sometimes would go into A Fib but always converted out to normal rhythm.

My EKG showed a PR interval of 0 and in Atrial Fibrillation. He immediately made an appointment for me to see my cardiologist this coming Tuesday. What do the following EKG numbers generally indicate in your opinion?

Rate    61
PR        0
QRSD  79
QT       423
QTc     426
---Axis---
P         Ind.
QRS      6
T           62

I was in obvious A Fib but never have been told my PR was 0.
P.S. I've read Avandaryl can cause weight gain, shortness of breath. Could this be the culprit of more frequent episodes of shortness of breath?

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

The PR interval can only be measured in sinus rhythm.  If you are in atrial fib, there is no way to measure it so the computer enters the number zero.  The other numbers are all normal.  The Intervals of QRS and QT measure conduction and recover times in your heart -- both are normal.  The axis is the direction of depolarization of your heart and it is normal as well.

The rosiglitazone component of avandaryl can cause swell and shortness of breath, particularly if you heart is not structurally normal.  Your cardiologist will likely do a echo cardiogram and possibly a stress test depending on your other risk factors (the fact that your a diabetic and in atrial fib might  be enough to justify a stress test also).

Shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms of atrial fib.  Your cardiologist will help you determine if this is relevant.  They may electrically convert you to sinus rhythm to see if you feel better.

I hope this helps.

[rmworrywart]

Thanks for you comments about rosiglitazone being associated with shortness of breath. I determined to watch my diet really close and stopped the Avandaryl for a day and had no shortness of breath. I went back on it for two days, both of which I had shortness of breath. I then went three days without and had none. The day I had my holter monitor my Dr said I was in a fib part of the day but then came out of it. That was soon after I stopped taking the Avandaryl.

My pcp checked my heart a week later and he said it sounded strong and regular. I then told him my little experiment and asked if we could switch to something else. We are experimenting with just Glimepiride 2 mg for two weeks to see how I do. My last 3 A1C were 6.5,6.3 and 6.2. I was able to exercise for 20 minutes on the stationary bike this morning for the first time in a year without my legs feeling like they were going to fail me.

Thanks again,

rmworrywart.