Worried. what does this mean ?

[susieanna]

I gave up smoking about 4 months ago. I had been on nicotine gum. But was noticing a lot of palpitations. They seemed to be getting worse. And every day I’ve been getting them.

I went Drs and she arranged ECG. And in Dec a 24 hr ecg thing.

I deliberately stopped nicotine gum one day ago. All I’m taking now is one capsule nicotine inhalator which I’m making last the whole day.

Anyway I had ECG today. I was horrified to read the results are not normal !

I know I have COPD. But the ECG shows LEFT ANTERIOR FASICULAR BLOCK.

What is this ????? From my brief research today I’m hoping that this is at level 1. What could have caused this ??

I’m gonna request to see Dr urgently cos I want a referral to Cardiologist and I also need some sort of reassurance.

Any information and advice is greatly appreciated.

[BobD Volunteer]

We deal withy Atrial fibrillation (an arrhythmia) here so maybe ask in British Heart Foundation section of Healthunlocked.

[susieanna in reply to BobD]

ok. Thankyou.

[CDreamer in reply to BobD]

To be fair it is an arrythmia problem I think - Left bundle branch?

Susie - you must talk to your doctor to get a full explanation but I think it means there is a delay in the electrical circuit between one part of your heart and another.

It’s not immediately life threatening and will be treated. And yes you should be referred to a cardiologist as soon as possible - which if you live in the UK may mean a waiting time. Many people on this forum have had LBB treated.

[susieanna in reply to CDreamer]

Thankyou so much ! I had to lie just to get to see my Dr today. It was that or a 2 or 3 weeks wait. My GP is horrendous re trying to get appointments. Let’s see what the GP says. 👍

[CDreamer]

PS - well done for giving up smoking, it’s very very tough. Best thing you could have done as it is a known cause of arrythmias. Unfortunately many of us are finding out the hard way how injurious smoking was to our health.

[CDreamer]

May I suggest that you visit this site Arrythmia Alliance for trusted information and if need be, ring them.

heartrhythmalliance.org/aa/...

[susieanna in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks. What made me stop was COPD diagnosis! After hearing that after 4 days I quit. I don’t actually get symptoms atm thank God. But I didn’t expect this thing now. I just need some reassurance and get it sorted. Get to see the Professionals etc. Unfortunately I have anxiety disorder which does not help.

[CDreamer in reply to susieanna]

Anxiety exacerbates everything, especially arrythmia so if you can find help for that - start with breath work - everything becomes to feel more manageable. Best wishes.

[susieanna in reply to CDreamer]

Oh. Great. Many thanks !!