Is This Typical?
In the ECG readings displayed, mine (from my Apple Watch) appears above, while my husband’s results are shown below. He believes my readings may be worrying, but I find them acceptable as they consistently show this pattern. At 36 years old and with no history of heart-related issues, I feel reassured. In contrast, my husband, aged 53, has been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.
Answers (1)

6/21/2025, 9:20:32 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great that you're using an Apple Watch to monitor your health. Your confidence in your ECG readings is understandable, but it's important to evaluate and interpret these results carefully, especially when there are concerns raised by others.
Understanding the Situation:
- ECG Readings Variability: Normal ECG readings can vary from person to person and can be influenced by various factors such as age, activity level, and overall heart health.
- Your Situation: At 36 years old, with no history of heart problems, your ECG may appear normal to you. However, there’s subjective interpretation involved, especially when comparing it with another person’s readings, like your husband’s, who has atrial fibrillation (AFib).
- Atrial Fibrillation Dynamics: Given your husband's condition, he may have insights into what irregular patterns look like, but that doesn't necessarily mean your readings are abnormal.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Pay attention to how you feel. Are you experiencing any symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue? If so, take note of when these occur along with your ECG readings.
-
Check Trends: If your watch allows, monitor the frequency and consistency of your ECG readings over time. Changes in your readings or new symptoms could warrant a reassessment.
-
Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with what is considered normal for your age group. Resources from reputable organizations like the American Heart Association can be helpful.
-
Discuss with a Healthcare Provider: While you feel reassured, consider sharing your readings with a healthcare provider for a professional evaluation, especially if you ever notice changes in your patterns or develop new symptoms.
-
Continue Healthy Habits: Keep maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management, as these can all contribute to heart health.
Your proactive approach to monitoring your health is commendable. Trust your instincts but also ensure you’re staying informed. If anything changes or you have concerns, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.
Related Questions
Is It Safe for Me to Return to the Gym? (17M)
I’ll share the full story to clarify my situation. My primary aim is to return to the gym, which has been a significant hurdle for me. For approximately three months, I’ve been experiencing numbness in the right side of my palm, particularly around the pinky and the area below it. This is due to a diagnosis indicating swelling and irregular soft tissue near the left ulnar nerve within the cubital tunnel. Initially, I consulted a general practitioner (GP), who advised me to refrain from gym workouts for about a month, along with wearing a wrist brace. After that month passed, with no alleviation of the symptoms, I sought a second opinion from a different doctor. He pointed out that the brace previously recommended was unsuitable and suggested I actually needed one for my elbow instead. His advice was to either wear the new brace for a month or consider receiving a steroid injection, guided by an ultrasound. He preferred the injection route, stating it would likely relieve my symptoms in a few days, allowing me to gradually return to the gym, provided I was cautious with tricep exercises. He implied that I could continue gym visits during this period but needed to modify my elbow and tricep movements while focusing on maintaining proper technique. Recently, I had the steroid (cortisone) injection, and although the numbness persists a bit, the medical staff reassured me that this is typical. They recommended a period of 48 hours of rest afterward, which I have adhered to. Now, I’m eager to know if I’m cleared to hit the gym again and start lifting weights. P.S. Feel free to ask if you have any further questions for me!
Seeking Guidance on Symptoms
I'm reaching out for some assistance regarding a few troubling symptoms I've been experiencing. I'd appreciate any guidance on what to research before seeing my doctor, to ensure I obtain the necessary support. To give you some context, I'm an 18-year-old assigned female at birth (AFAB) with a history of fibromyalgia. Previously, I also dealt with whooping cough, but aside from those conditions, I haven't suffered from any serious or long-lasting physical ailments. Currently, I am facing several symptoms, including chest pain that feels distinctly different from my usual fibromyalgia discomfort. This particular pain has persisted for over a year. Additionally, I experience dizziness, lightheadedness, occasional vertigo, and sometimes a sensation of struggling to breathe, even though I am technically inhaling. I believe this might be what is referred to as "air hunger." It's worth mentioning that I have been diagnosed with anxiety, although that assessment came from a general practitioner and not a mental health professional. I haven't exhibited symptoms of anxiety for a few years now since that diagnosis, but I realize that some of my current symptoms may overlap with those I had back then. Apologies for my lengthy explanation, but I would greatly appreciate any insights or information you might provide!
What Could This Blemish on My Face Be?
At 21 years old, I recently found an unusual spot on my skin. Initially, I thought it was just an odd breakout, which is something I rarely experience. Although I wasn't overly concerned, the patch started out as a red area that felt slightly sore. Fast forward a day and a half, and it has since formed a scab and continues to be a bit sensitive when touched. The scab has developed a yellow hue, and when I apply gentle pressure, it releases a small amount of clear fluid. I'm uncertain if this indicates an infection or if that's a typical response. I’m mainly trying to identify what this could be and whether I should consult a healthcare professional or if there are steps I can take myself.
Concerns About My Mole on the Upper Arm
I've had a mole on my upper arm for about a month now, and it's been unchanged since I first noticed it. I'm starting to wonder whether it could be a cause for concern. What do you think?
Unexpected Torso Bruising After Ludwig’s Angina Hospitalization
I appreciate any insights you can offer! I am a 47-year-old woman with a medical background including ulcerative colitis, which led to a complete colectomy and j-pouch creation in 1998 and 1999 due to toxic megacolon. Additionally, I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and recently underwent a uterine ablation in May 2025. I also cope with PTSD largely due to past medical traumas. Currently, I'm on a regimen that includes duloxetine, buspirone, prazosin, and amitriptyline. I take phenergan when necessary and use cannabis-based edibles for nausea related to my previous colitis condition, especially under my medical card. Last Sunday, I began experiencing discomfort in my lower left jaw, which escalated by the evening to a near intolerable level of pain. My dentist examined me the following day, diagnosing a molar abscess. He prescribed antibiotics, specifically amoxicillin, and recommended an endodontist for further treatment. I began the amoxicillin on Monday at 2 PM and also took Tylenol for relief. By Monday night, I had not shown any significant swelling. However, overnight on Monday into Tuesday, my face and neck swelled dramatically, making my appearance quite alarming—comparable to that of a bullfrog. The pain persisted intensely, and my neck/jaw area became red and heated. I struggled initially to swallow and then started feeling like I was not getting enough air. Concerned, I called my dentist, who advised me to head to the emergency room right away. Upon my arrival at the ER Tuesday afternoon, I underwent triage, blood tests, and a CT scan with contrast, which resulted in a diagnosis of Ludwig’s Angina. I was immediately started on IV antibiotics and admitted to the hospital. I remained hospitalized for a total of five days. The primary objectives during my stay were pain management and reducing both swelling and infection. I received IV antibiotics every 4 to 6 hours, in addition to oral gabapentin three times daily. Initially, I was on IV pain relievers, specifically toradol and dilaudid, which were phased out before my discharge. I am now prescribed 5 mg oxycodone every 4-6 hours for pain management. Additionally, I received a daily oral prebiotic and nightly lovenox injections, as well as simethicone to alleviate digestive issues caused by the antibiotics. Upon my return home today, I noticed several small purple bruises—approximately 10 to 12—on my torso, roughly the size of a quarter. They are located on both sides of my body and do not cause pain nor feel warm. I cannot recall any incidents or activities that might have led to these bruises. Concerned, I did some quick research and found that such bruising could be indicative of sepsis or other blood-related conditions, which worried me given my severe infection and cellulitis from Ludwig’s angina. Therefore, my question is whether I should seek immediate attention at the ER again, or if it is acceptable to wait until I can follow up with my primary care physician early next week. Thank you for any assistance during this daunting and painful chapter. Please let me know if you need further details! I am truly grateful for any guidance.