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:
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Sinus Arrhythmia: This means there’s a variation in your heart rate with breathing, which is often normal, particularly in younger individuals.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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:
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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.
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Lifestyle Adjustments: Focus on maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol.
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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.
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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!
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