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Heart Rhythm  (Expert Forum)
 | 
stress echo results back
Answered by
Michael J. McWilliams, M.D. - atrial fibrillation, Pacemakers, Defibrillators, Arrhythmias (SVT, VT), PVC/PAC, Ablation
Wilmington Health Associates Wilmington - NC
Questions in the Heart Rhythm forum cover topics that include heart rhythm issues, arrhythmia, irregular heartbeat, implanted defibrillators, pacemakers, and tachycardia.

stress echo results back

by mf1970, Oct 13, 2007 04:18PM
Hi
Results are back from stress echo but a little help in interpreting may help. My doctor has signed me off as normal but i'm not too sure what it means.

Resting 12 Lead ECG = widespread non-specific ST Segment change / incomplete right bundle branch block
Exercise Stress ECG = 13.3 mets , 166 bpm, 2mm inferior horizontal st depression at peak although this resolved within first 50 seconds of recovery. Pulse maximal, systolic bp response appropriate, recovery phase otherwise normal
Resting Echocardiogram = Normal LV function
Immediate post exercise Echocardiogram = Normal augmentation of function in all segments
Recovery echo = no change

Conclusions
1. Maximal symptom limited to moderate load
2. No induced chest pain
3. Inferolateral ST depression
4. appropriate pulse and bp response
5. No induced wall motion abnormalities
6. No specific evidence of induced myocardial ischaemia.

Thanks in advance if you could translate into some plain english
Cheers
M

by Michael J. McWilliams, M.D., Oct 13, 2007 04:30PM
Translation:

Resting 12 Lead ECG = widespread non-specific ST Segment change / incomplete right bundle branch block

Your EKGs has some changes in the terminal portion are not normal but not specific for blockages in the heart or other problems.  If clinically indicated, strests test are performed to see if there are blockages.

Exercise Stress ECG = 13.3 mets , 166 bpm, 2mm inferior horizontal st depression at peak although this resolved within first 50 seconds of recovery. Pulse maximal, systolic bp response appropriate, recovery phase otherwise normal
Resting Echocardiogram = Normal LV function
Immediate post exercise Echocardiogram = Normal augmentation of function in all segments
Recovery echo = no change

Conclusions
1. Maximal symptom limited to moderate load

You exercised until you had to stop.  When you stopped, you were at an average exercise capacity for your age (meaning not superior, but not bad-- "normal").

2. No induced chest pain

you did not have symptoms at maximal stress --- this is good.  pain at maximal exercise or near max may indicated a blockage in your heart (ischemia).

3. Inferolateral ST depression

There were depressions on your EKG during exercise that correlate to the inferor lateral portion of your heart.  ST depression do not necessarily indicate a blockage.  That is why the imaging is done.  If there is an area in  your heart not receiving enough blood during exercise, it will not beat as strongly or at all compared to the other segments.
4. appropriate pulse and bp response

You pulse increased appropriately.  your blood pressure increased more than 30 mmHg during exercise (no change or a drop can indicate a problem).

5. No induced wall motion abnormalities

The walls of your heart contracted appropriately during rest and exercise, suggesting that there are no significant blockages in your heart.

6. No specific evidence of induced myocardial ischaemia.

There is no evidence of any significant blockages in  your heart.
The EKG changes that were seen at baseline are  not indicative of ischemia or blockages in the arteries around your heart.

This is a normal stress test with a non specific EKG changes.

I hope this helps.  Thanks for posting.
Member Comments (3)

by mf1970, Oct 13, 2007 04:38PM
To: Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.
many thanks

by anacyde, Oct 18, 2007 11:20PM
Really cool post!  It's nice to know what all of those things mean now when my husband has his stress tests done :)
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