T Waves

[dviehland]

My husbad found out that he has an abnormal Twave.  He found that out while doing Pre -Ops for back surgery.  He had to go to his regular doctor to get clearance.  He got the clearance from that doctor.  The surgery is in a week from now.  Is this something to worry about?  Please advise.

[ed34]

Yes which is why I said further testing should be done. T-wave abnormalities appear to be greater predictors of cardiovascular mortality.

[kenkeith]

I recently answered the same question on another thread on this forum.  An abnormal T wave requires other clinical evidence. An abnormal t wave without support is considered an artifact and harmless.

[ed34]

I would just like to add that I don't think the Doctors have gone about this in a very professional manner. You are aware there is a problem, they have conferred between themselves and left you out of the loop, leaving you worried, even though they say it's safe. I think their conduct has not considered the patient enough.

[ed34]

Is there a reason they didn't ask a Cardiologist to check it out at the hospital rather than his regular Doctor? A T wave abnormality doesn't always give a conclusive answer to the underlying problem from an ECG and further test are sometimes required. There are a list of things which can cause a T-wave to be abnormal, such as an enlarged ventricle or mitral valve problems. It can be caused by several other issues but what is important is that the Doctor tells you what the problem is. Until then I would be hesitant at having any surgery. Once you know the reason, and the reason is likely not to be affected by surgery, then you can obviously go ahead.
Let's put it this way, if I was lined up for surgery and was told that my ECG is abnormal, I would want to know why before having general anaesthetic. I think anyone would want the same.