What Was So Alarming About This ECG?
As a 23-year-old female, I sought urgent care some time back due to a cold. To my surprise, they performed an ECG and instructed me to head to the hospital right away. Once at the hospital, I was advised to consult a cardiologist as soon as the weekend concluded. When I finally visited the cardiologist, he remarked that it wasn't a big deal and that I was fine. However, I still can't shake off my curiosity about what was alarming in the ECG results. In the report, particularly in the upper right section, the following items were noted: - Sinus arrhythmia - Right axis deviation - Septal infarct - Moderate to high lateral repolarization disturbance; ischemia should be considered - Abnormal ECG; report not confirmed I’ll attempt to share a screenshot of this in the comments later. The medical team conducted the ECG two or three times, adjusting the leads slightly before providing the final report. I've often been puzzled about the implications of these findings and the reason for any concern, or if I should even have worried. I did suspect heart-related issues given that I'd experienced intense pain at work, leading to near-fainting episodes, but then I would feel alright shortly after. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 8:20:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
The ECG findings you've mentioned can be concerning, but it’s important to break them down and understand what they mean. Here's an overview of the points from your ECG and what they imply:
-
Sinus Arrhythmia: This means there’s a variation in your heart rate with breathing, which is often normal, particularly in younger individuals.
-
Right Axis Deviation: This indicates that the direction of the electrical activity in your heart's ventricles is shifted towards the right. It can be normal for some people but may also suggest underlying issues, like lung conditions.
-
Septal Infarct: This suggests that there may have been some damage (infarction) to the septum of the heart, which can be serious depending on the degree. It's essential to evaluate this properly.
-
Moderate to High Lateral Repolarization Disturbance: This can indicate issues with how the heart's electrical system responds after each heartbeat, which might suggest ischemia (reduced blood flow to heart muscles).
-
Abnormal ECG; report not confirmed: This indicates that the findings need careful interpretation and that further investigation is warranted.
Given your experience of chest pain and near-fainting episodes, it’s understandable to feel concerned. While your cardiologist reassured you, it’s essential to keep monitoring your symptoms and follow up on any advice given.
Next Steps:
-
Track Symptoms: Maintain a diary of any future chest pain or unusual episodes. Note when they occur, their intensity, and associated activities. This information will be valuable.
-
Lifestyle Adjustments: Focus on maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol.
-
Schedule Follow-Up: If you haven’t already done so, arrange a follow-up with your cardiologist to discuss any questions about your ECG in detail, especially about the septal infarct and lateral repolarization disturbance.
-
Consider Additional Tests: If symptoms persist or you feel uneasy, ask about further testing (like an echocardiogram or stress test) to clarify any uncertainty around your heart's health.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need more specific advice on any of these steps!
Related Questions
Distinguishing Between Norovirus and Influenza: Seeking Insights
I know I recently shared an update, but I realized I overlooked an important question. My 28-year-old husband has been feeling unwell since early this morning, although he seems to be on the mend. He experienced a single episode of vomiting and has had diarrhea 3-4 times today. Since he started expressing discomfort, we have been entirely apart to prevent any possible spread of illness. Given his symptoms, could this be Norovirus or Influenza? Currently, he is suffering from a headache, feels unusually warm (though we don’t have a thermometer, so I can’t confirm if he has a fever), and is experiencing soreness in his legs. Additionally, his throat was quite painful for much of the day, particularly after vomiting, which might be due to a globus sensation. He has taken a total of 12mg of ondansetron, administered in intervals of six hours. For reference, he weighs 230 pounds, seldom consumes alcohol, has Puerto Rican heritage, is a former smoker, and does not use any illicit substances.
Understanding Esophageal Polyps
I’m a 33-year-old woman who recently discovered a polyp located at the base of my esophagus. I’m wondering if anyone has insights on what the possible pathology results might indicate? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
Pushing Boundaries or Overdoing It?
For several years, I was an active competitive cheerleader, which meant my body was constantly in motion and often sore due to rigorous practice sessions, especially during competition periods. When I transitioned to college and stepped away from cheerleading, I paused my workout routine. This hiatus led to feelings of guilt over my inactivity and sparked a desire to shed some pounds. Consequently, I began monitoring my food intake, utilizing a scale to track my macronutrients. I focused on increasing my protein consumption, something I previously struggled with due to my picky eating habits regarding meat. Around the same time, one of my roommates was dealing with disordered eating, which influenced my own mindset and behaviors, pulling me into a similar downward spiral. During a difficult couple of months, my eating habits fluctuated between consuming limited meals and intermittent fasting. Ultimately, I managed to break free from that harmful cycle and began to enjoy healthier, more balanced meals once again. Simultaneously, my sleep schedule was severely lacking, averaging only 3 to 5 hours each night. Post-Thanksgiving holiday, I established a more consistent routine in December, committing to daily workouts to alleviate the guilt and anxiety surrounding food and boost my sense of productivity. My regimen included a 30 to 45-minute workout, a brief stretch, a 20-minute incline walk, along with several local trail walks spanning about 4 to 6 miles. However, this rapid increase in physical activity took a toll on my body. I developed a pump bump on my right heel and suffered from severe Achilles tendinitis in my left ankle, which became so swollen that the tendon was not visible. A visit to the podiatrist revealed the issue stemmed from a bone growth at the front of my ankle joint, potentially a remnant of a previous cheer injury. I was advised to switch to shoes with a higher heel, take anti-inflammatory medication, and engage in physical therapy. Though the swelling subsided and the pain lessened in the interim, I was eager to get back to college and get into my fitness routine. Upon returning, feeling as though I had fallen behind, I ramped up my workouts significantly. I started a regimen that included an hour of weightlifting followed by over two hours of inclined walking on the treadmill, aiming to burn more than 1,000 calories from Monday through Friday, with weekends reserved primarily for rest, featuring an abdominal workout and leisurely walks. Regrettably, my roommate's calorie tracking habits led me to regress into similar behaviors. I avoided using the food scale this time, hesitant to return to previous unhealthy patterns, yet I still substantially reduced my caloric intake, attempting to keep it below 1,000 calories while burning over that amount through exercise. My approach included moderate meals Monday through Thursday, reserving weekends for larger meals and occasional treats. On weekdays, I typically consumed a third of a banana before workouts, engaged in three hours of intense exercise, then took an energy drink before classes. Post-class, I’d have some cucumber or a piece of fruit before dinner, which generally consisted of protein, a whole-grain English muffin, and salad. If I had room left, I’d enjoy a Greek yogurt for dessert. So far, this strategy has yielded favorable results; I've lost almost 14 pounds since my last checkup in mid-December, and my stomach discomfort has lessened. However, after a 10-mile walk this past Sunday, I began to experience significant pain in my right shin, assuming it might be shin splints but continuing to work out as usual. The week has been challenging, caught between the urge to maintain a 1,000-calorie burn while grappling with persistent pain, even while at rest. The discomfort is concentrated on the front part of my shin, spanning about the size of a quarter, and is painful to touch. Movement aggravates the sensation, making it hurt to walk or even lift my leg while sitting. There's noticeable swelling and warmth, and the pain seems to intensify in the evening, causing discomfort even when resting in bed. I sought care today, and while an X-ray showed no significant issues—a relief—the physician suspects it might be tendonitis. I was initially fearful of a stress fracture, having heard stories of athletes pushing through such injuries, resulting in more severe complications. Given that the X-ray was clear, I am reassured, but I'm still anxious to continue my workouts, as I feel uneasy just remaining inactive and eating without sufficient exercise. I would appreciate any insights into my situation and whether it appears to align with the diagnosis in terms of allowing me to continue training—perhaps avoiding excessive incline walking during this time.
Assessment of Three-Year-Old Knees
Patient Information: - Gender: Female - Age: 3 years - Weight: Approximately 13 kilograms - Medical History: None noted Observations: The knees appear to have a slight inward rotation, in my view.
Visual Disturbances: Seeking Guidance
Overview: I’ve been experiencing some ongoing visual disturbances that have prompted me to seek advice. To provide some background, I am a 21-year-old white male in the United States, standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing slightly over 170 pounds (though I’m not sure about the precise figure, I know it’s no more than 180). For about seven years, I neglected the need for corrective lenses and found myself spending excessive time in front of screens. Given these circumstances, I’m wondering whether I should consult an optometrist, an ophthalmologist, or my general practitioner. What could be the potential causes of these symptoms? They have persisted for quite a while, possibly even years.