8 yr old boy with abnormal EKG

[cubsfan70]

My 8 yr old son has been complaining about his chest hurting randomly for about 2 months now.  When I put my hand to his chest I could feel the heart beating hard but would tell him to just go rest and eventually it always went away.  This past week at school the nurse saw him for the same thing and he would complain of having a hard time breathing when these episodes happened.  So, I took him to the doctor who wanted to run an EKG just to cover all the bases and when she saw the results she said they were extremely abnormal.  We are waiting to see a pediatric cardiologist but live a very rural area and cannot get in until June 2. Should I take him the 7 hours to Ft Worth and get him in sooner?  Also, the doctor said he is not allowed to run or jump or play baseball until he sees the cardiologist.  This is the hardest part because my son is VERY active.  He had pneumonia in Janurary and was hospitalized for 4 days.  Does this have anything to do with his heart issues.  Also, he has only gained 4 lbs in the past 3 years but he eats tremendous amounts of food, even more than my 11 yr old.  Is that in any way connected?  Please let me know your opinion, I am really worried about this and am very far from any medicial facilities.  Thanks!

[ireneo]

They may check his thyroid too which may affect growth, weight gain, heart rhythms. It does seem like a long time to wait. If they were that concerned (from comments they made and restrictions on his activity) it seems they would have scheduled something sooner. If you can, press for an earlier appointment, perhaps a cancellation that comes up.

[Jerry_NJ]

The doctor who examined your son is in the best position to comment on the delay in seeing a cardiologist.  Does he/she know your appointment is not until June?

Did he recommend taking a low dose aspirin?  One-half of a regular aspirin may be fine too, taken every day with a meal.

The slow weight gain may also be a concern, has he gained much in height in that time?  Was he overweight in the past?  I would expect a primary care doctor to have something to say on the weight question, did you not get any appraisal when you were in to see the doctor?

It may just be me, but I find it discomforting that a doctor would say anything like: "she saw the results she said they were extremely abnormal." and not explain it.  Is that all you got?  Is she your family doctor, or someone specializing pediatrics?

Wishing you the best possible outcome.