Concern about inverted T waves and symptoms

[iggytiggy]

I have a consistently abnormal ECG, inverted T waves etc. I have undergone many investigations but the consultant seems to have drawn a blank. I am being monitored every six months, but I do at times have awful symptoms of terrible fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain. Doctor has suspected cardiomyopathy, but refuses to give a solid diagnosis. It would be interesting to know if anyone else has experienced/is experiencing a similar problem.

[MathsNicky]

I have inverted t waves too and was eventually diagnosed with left ventricular non compaction (rare congenital problem which mum probably had too but it wasn't named in the 1980s.) I am now on medication and am fitted with a pacemaker/ICD and have been stable for years. Usually consultants get together and discuss baffling cases which is how mine was diagnosed from my MRI. Any family history? High blood pressure? Have you had an mri? Hope you get some answers soon. Good luck.

[Jarome]

Hi. My ECG showed inverted T waves and I am having aching feeling in my chest plus some tightness. I also have fatigue, hypertension, family history of heart disease and slightly raised cholesterol.

I was referred to cardiologist who sent me for urgent angiogram which showed everything to be ok so they discharged me.

My symptoms continue and all GP says is that it’s probably anxiety and so has put me on anxiety/depression medication and tablets for blood pressure. I personally don’t think it is anxiety and the symptoms continue. I hope you get more support from cardiology then I have

[Smikra in reply to Jarome]

I had inverted t waves on an EKG eighteen months after my quad bypass. My angiogram showed one closure but all else okay. My cardiologist sent me for an echocardiogram which showed global moderate right ventricle dysfunction. Sent to pulmonologist who put me on oxygen and diagnosed COPD.

[kel55 in reply to Jarome]

Hi Jarome, not sayit is but worthy of checking out. research varient angina/microvascular disease

[Omarglz in reply to Jarome]

Hi Jerome, I read your reply and I literally have the exact same thing symptoms as you describe. Same family history, same issues, same symptoms. Are you ok? Your reply was a year ago so how are you doing?

Did you find any relief in your symptoms? Please share! I’m going crazy!

[honeybubs in reply to Jarome]

Y to his is exactly what happened to me over the years how are you doing now? Thanks.

[latmaz]

i had very similar symptoms with inverted T waves etc, tiredness, pain etc. i had every test imaginable including a cardiac MRI. my consultant decided to put me on very high anti inflammatories, I was on 2400mg a day and slowly i started to feel better and my T waves are now normal. his diagnosis was stress cardiomyopathy

[Omarglz in reply to latmaz]

Hello, how are you doing still? I see your post was over a year ago. I’d like to find out and maybe talk to my cardiologist about the same treatment. I am experiencing the same exAct thing.

[JonathanH]

Here's another thought. Inverted T-waves can indicate ischemia and one cause of protracted ischemia, shortness of breath and angina is microvascular angina. This is difficult to diagnose and insufficiently known, including amongst cardiologists. Many MVA patients are ill for years before the receive a diagnosis. Drug-wise, if you have MVA your first port of call would probably be a calcium channel blocker. Your life at present sounds pretty intolerable and it might be worth going back to your GP and suggesting MVA as a possibility.

When does your angina occur and for how long? Do you have any other symptoms? Have you had any attacks that have taken you to A&E?

Milkfairy on here is very knowledgeable about MVA and consultants expert in MVA, and I suggest that you message her for advice.

[kel55 in reply to JonathanH]

it took me 3 years to final get the diagnosis of MVD and CAS. I was having heart attack symptoms which couldnt be explaind and yes one or two offered anxiety as the cause, a cop out diagnosis. One even asked what l was doing to keep pulling muscles in my chest.

l battled it out and finally a leading Clinical Cardiologist Dr Patric Gadagan (he has been an advisor to government although now retired l think he is still registra of the royal school of surgery)gave me the diagnosis of Small Vessel Disease. When he retired the only remaining practising clinical cardiologist was Prof Collin at the royal brompton, who refined the diagnosis to MVD inc CAS. many docs out there havent been taught about MVD and those that have tend to be you young.

Check out the prinzemetal facebook page they have a lot of practical information being posted. We are not that rare?

[iggytiggy]

Thanks for your responses, it's certainly given me something to think about. My GP did actually mention MVA as a possible explanation, but the consultant has said nothing on that matter. I may have to get a second opinion. Regards to all.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Iggytiggy

As Kel and Jonathan has suggested it would be with asking to be seen by a Cardiologist again for a second opinion.

Microvascular angina a long with Coronary artery spasms are poorly understood and recognised conditions which baffle and confuse many Cardiologists.

The BHF have updated their information about MVA and have an article by Prof Colin Berry in Glasgow who is actively researching into Microvascular Angina.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

I suggest you printout the BHF leaflet about MVA and take it to your GP and ask to be referred to a different Cardiologist.

MVA and CAS are very challenging conditions to live with. They are separate conditions but some people live with both conditions.

I also like Kel live with Raynauds phenomenon and have Migraine when I have severe angina.

I was diagnosed 6 years ago and had an angiogram with acytelcholine which is described in the articles I have attached. This is not a widely available test.

My Consultant until he retired was Prof Juan Carlos Kaski one of the most humble and kind Cardiologists I have met.

youtu.be/ls2VGvxmOvQ(Not working as expected?)

I tend to have fixed inverted T waves and ST depressions when I have been in hospital for treatment of really severe episodes of angina.

Where are you based in the UK?

[iggytiggy]

Thanks once again for the in depth and interesting responses, it is such a relief to speak to people who understand! I live near Norwich, Norfolk, and am under the N&N hospital. Apparently my cardiologist is suppose to be highly regarded, which intimidates me slightly and makes me feel despondent in asking for another referral, considering he is supposed to be very good. But I think it may be worth a go. How did you find out about Cardiac artery spasms?

[kel55 in reply to iggytiggy]

Hi, your cardiologist may be very good a intervetionist cardiology but not know anything about MVD. Cardiology is an fairly new science and still in its infancy. youmay be better looking for a clinical cardiologist. And never be unsure of your self, no body knows your body like you.

It is proven that l have this disease but along the way lve been called a fruitloop, copying a womens disease, Having depression, doing something to pull a muscle in my chest, told to go home and sit by the fire with a nice cup of tea because lm a bit up tight, etc etc one of the best was by a cardiologist who said theres nothing wrong two days after a heart attack. its your choice but a second opinion costs nothing only time.

[Mememe11]

Hi, I had an ecg recently and was told I had inverted t waves, they think it maybe myocarditis after having covid. Have you had any follow up and do the t waves go back to normal eventually, does anyone know?