Concerns Over Abnormal ECG After Hospitalization Abroad
Greetings, I’m a 35-year-old female, standing at 164 cm and weighing 140 lbs. I don’t smoke or consume alcohol. Not long ago, I was admitted to a hospital in Cyprus due to a gastrointestinal illness and was released just three days ago. Although I am on the mend, I still feel somewhat fatigued and experience shortness of breath when I walk. During my hospital stay, all of my ECG readings were abnormal. They revealed ST deviation and moderately inverted T waves across all precordial leads (V1 to V6). I had another ECG done today prior to my departure back home, and it remains abnormal. Additionally, the doctors informed me that I have mild tricuspid valve regurgitation. The attending physician seemed quite concerned and emphasized that I should seek medical attention immediately upon my return to the UK. I find myself feeling quite unsettled about this situation. My knowledge regarding tricuspid valve issues and ECG abnormalities is limited. I’m uncertain whether I should head directly to the hospital or if it would be acceptable to first consult with my general practitioner. I want to avoid overreacting, but this is genuinely distressing. Furthermore, my liver enzyme levels were significantly elevated, about 15 times the normal range, which the hospital suggested could be related to the recent infection. It’s worth mentioning that I do not consume alcohol. I also faced some difficulties with communication due to the language barrier.
Answers (1)
9/8/2025, 2:50:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re going through a challenging time, and it’s completely understandable to feel unsettled about your recent health concerns. You have specific factors to consider regarding your abnormal ECG results, shortness of breath, and elevated liver enzymes. Here's what you need to know and the steps you should take.
Main Points:
- Follow Up on Abnormal ECG & Symptoms: You should prioritize seeing a healthcare professional about your abnormal ECG readings and ongoing shortness of breath.
- Address Liver Enzyme Concerns: Elevated liver enzymes need to be monitored and evaluated further.
- Choose the Right Path for Care: Decide between immediate hospital care or following up with your general practitioner based on your symptoms.
Explanation:
Abnormal ECG: The ECG abnormalities you mentioned, including ST deviations and inverted T waves, can indicate issues with heart function. These findings can signify several conditions ranging from benign to more serious. It's important that these are assessed by a healthcare provider, especially given your reported symptoms of shortness of breath.
Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation: This means that your heart's tricuspid valve is not closing properly, which can potentially lead to symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath. This condition often requires monitoring, and your healthcare provider will guide whether any treatment is needed.
Elevated Liver Enzymes: High liver enzymes often indicate inflammation or damage to the liver, which can indeed arise from infections. It’s crucial to ensure these are resolved as well.
Next Steps:
-
Seek Medical Attention Promptly: Given the abnormal ECG and ongoing symptoms of shortness of breath, it would be wise to head directly to the hospital upon your return to the UK, especially since the physicians advised it. This will allow for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management of any cardiovascular concerns.
-
Communicate Your Concerns:
- Clearly explain your recent hospital stay, the abnormal ECGs, and your current symptoms, including fatigue and shortness of breath.
- Mention the elevated liver enzymes and discuss any tests or scans that might be necessary to assess your liver function.
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Consider Follow-Up Plans: After initial evaluations, you may also want to set up an appointment with your general practitioner for ongoing management and to discuss preventive care or any lifestyle adjustments.
Remember to remain calm and take things one step at a time. The healthcare professionals will have the expertise to help you through this situation. Please take care of yourself, and I wish you a smooth journey back home and to better health.
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