Well I had my ECG at the surgery today and the report shows a result with a few issues that included abnormal left axis deviation and non specific st abnormality amongst others. Obviously this is all gobbledygook to me but the first time since I was diagnosed with AF that I’ve had an abnormal ECG .
I’ve felt different in the last few days , most noticeably when sitting relaxing . My pulse is now regular and HR in the 60’s but I feel like I’m fibrillating mildly and I have what feels like adrenaline rushes on and off . I can’t say I feel ill and am going about my normal daily life but something has changed so I’ll be happy when I know what it is .
It’s a bit like when I first found out I had AF and I spent my time wondering if I was in danger of popping off early
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Hammerboy
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I didn’t get a full report of my ecgs, I’m wondering if I can find them. I can understand your anxiety though I have to say that I am hoping for the ‘pop off’ scenario when it’s my turn after watching many members of my family die slowly and painfully over several years. But preferably not before my cat dies….. I have had the adrenaline rushes too but they seem to have stopped for now. Best wishes for some reassurance from someone qualified to give it .
Hi,If your ECGs were done in the GP practice you can access them in your records in the NHS app. You can use the app on your laptop as well as your phone.
I find it a bit frustrating that it's only GP records on there. Hospital ECGs, consultations with the cardiologist and tests requested by him/her are not accessible.
😕 I thought they all did. It should be universal.If I can have access to my records surely you must be entitled to see yours or have a copy. I'm no one special and it's the NHS.
Maybe a phone call to the secretaries is worth a try, and arrange to go in to collect them. It should be one rule for everyone 😊
GPs are legally obliged to follow the Access to Health Records Act 1990, as the GP is the record holder as per s3(2) of the Act. If a practice refused to process the request, the requestor should complain to the GP practice and/or raise the issue with NHS England, please see NHS England » Complaining to NHS England."
That's true. But any requests for appointments or advice from consultants made by your GP will be in there, which is going forward.
Tbh I have no idea what I'm looking at when I see an ECG chart😂. I don't understand it at all, but there's all the written diagnostic stuff and my doctor is very good at explaining it to me.
A couple of times I've seen something I am bothered about and rung the practice (in the afternoon when they are not as busy). I've explained to the receptionist who has spoken to the doctor and called me back, or the doctor has called.
That’s helpful and may be a route I have to go down . Currently the arrhythmia nurses have been very good at explaining things so I’m hoping they call back by tomorrow and give me some insight as to what’s changed in my AF journey
I would guess that all is well and wonder if you have developed what I have? This is a form of heart block called "Left bundle branch block" or LBBB, which can come and go.
With LBBB, apparently, the ECG is made very difficult to interpret and can show both "left-axis deviation" and a longer "QT interval". Both of these are potentially worrying signs on a normal ECG, but not for someone with LBBB since neither are "real" but the product of the delay in the left ventricle contracting caused by the block.
I am assured that LBBB is generally of no consequence but that having it with AF is potentially worse than not having it. As a result, I have been prescribed losartan to protect the ventricles in the long term (rather than to treat hypertension since my BP is normal).
As you will have had previous echo scans, I think you can feel reassured, but still, you will need a specialist to confirm this.
Different countries seem to have different protocols. My GP phones me with the results of tests she orders or tells me immediately the result of an ECG done in the surgery. I visit the Cardiologist annually and he sends a report to my GP describing the ECG and Echo after discussing all the results and his findings with me. The GP in return gives you a copy of this report. The only thing that seems to be on computer for patients' access is the radiologist's 'pictures' and comments. Everything else, Dexa, mammograph are given to the patient in written form while you wait. I'm in South Africa
Our systems are disorganised and not joined up I’m afraid . Quite typical of our underperforming NHS which is sad as it’s a wonderful benefit to our country but poorly run . I doubt if it’s a money thing rather a typical overstuffed be beaurocratic mess
I think the problem is (I'm British) that the GPs and others are guaranteed a salary by the UK government and people are compelled to pay National Insurance. Here, all the Drs except for those employed at government hospitals and clinics, are in private practice. There are more private hospitals, radiologists, pathologists , dentists, pharmacists etc. than there are government ones. Since without patients most doctors would starve, their attitude is quite different. We have what are called Medical Aid Societies (it is not Insurance) which an individual or an employer can pay a monthly subscription which covers most costs. The government is trying to bring in National Insurance, but it will take years. But the public hospitals and clinics although the waiting lists are long, offer good treatment and the primary clinics serve basic medical needs.
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