Hi there I am a 49 year old woman with a family history of heart disease. Following long lasting heart palpitations I had a ECG and it showed TWI in leads V1-4 + aVL. I am being referred for an echocardiogram.
The cardiologist didn’t seem too concerned and my chest X-ray and bloods were all clear. However I don’t really understand what the ECG results meant and would be grateful if someone could advise me.
Many thanks
You could discuss it with your doctor.
Hello and welcome to the forum! Unfortunately the electrical side of things is not my forte. TWI stands for T-wave inversion which is not classed as significant unless it is particularly marked. As your cardiologist is unconcerned you should not worry. The fact he is doing further tests shoes he is through in his approach. The BHF nurses could explain better if you give them a call.
Thanks for replying. They didn’t even explain what TWI stands for or V1-4 leads or aVL so I am really starting from absolutely no level of understanding. For example what does inversion actually mean?
Inversion means turned over, e.g. if you invert a glass you lose your drink. V I believe refers to ventricle. 12 lead ECGs are very complex and can detect many things when looked at by an expert. However, I have very limited knowledge. Do give the nurses a ring.
Well the good thing is, is that the ECG has picked something up that requires further investigation. The ECG has shown that the electrical signal to your heart is not as efficient as it should be. Instead of an expected normal shaped signal, there is a slight anomoly (inversion or 'upside down') in the waveform (pulse) - the 5-leads of the ECG produce this waveform. An echocardiogram will hopefully pinpoint exactly what is causing the inversion and thus potential treatment.
I too have similar symptoms but after all the tests - ECG, Echo, MRI, X-Ray, Stress Test - no treatment is necessary at this time. Instead, I have periodic checks.
I'm still a very active sportsman and I still put a lot of physical stress on my body but I also know when to rest up. I used to get stressed out a lot about what might happen but if the cardiologist is happy then so am I.
Thanks so much for all the replies, they are really helpful. My GP has offered to see me sooner so I am meeting him next Weds now and will hopefully get a clearer picture. BW.
Hi jazz can I ask did you have slow or fast HB with your palpitations or did you have irregular HB take carexxx
Hi there the heart palpitations were fast (120 bpm) but my heart beat was regular. Thanks
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