Drs not feeling comfortable reading ECGs if have pacemaker inserted.

[Marie1212]

Have other people found that if they have a pacemaker in, and get heart attack symptoms that the paramedics or doctors at the hospital don't order an ECG? Or the nurses won't do an ECG?

I've had this issue on more than one occasion and as someone said to me on this forum, and I was thinking it this morning I am going to get a copy of my baseline ECG since having my pacemaker inserted. I will get this from my cardiologist and explain to him my reason for doing so. I will keep it in my purse just incase I am rushed to hospital again.I will keep copies too, just incase it becomes unreadable. That way the doctors can compare. I feel like the young and new doctors don't feel comfortable just looking at the ECGs of people with pacemakers inserted.

[siouxbee19]

You know, now that you mention it, I did wonder about that a few times why they didn't do an EKG. I just thought it was the hospital I went to (not my pick at all, but the closest ER to me). Plus the fact all my other doctors, records & hospital of choice are all 2 hours in the opposite direction!

My cardiologist did suggest I make & carry a copy of my "beginning" EKG 15 years ago, which I did & still have.

I've had another (non-regular) doctor so amazed by my abnormal EKG, he asked if he could make & keep a copy!

Interesting journey to say the least!

Best to you...🌻

[Marie1212 in reply to siouxbee19]

If I was you if you have chest pain definitely insist on them doing an ECG. Tell them you don't want them to miss anything. If the young doctor doesn't agree to it, consider asking to see the registrar (that is the next highest doctor). Consultants are one step above the registrars.

[siouxbee19 in reply to Marie1212]

Thank you! I am in the U.S., but I'll remember your advice with the chain of command here for any future issues. Be well...🌻

[Marie1212 in reply to siouxbee19]

Ask your general doctor if that is the chain of command in the U.S. I am in Australia and that information is for the public system here. In the private system if you entered E.D. I think you would see an emergency doctor who may be a registrar or consultant. How did they pick up that you weren't actually in tachycardia but the other rythym.

I am a registered nurse, but nursing is such a large field, I don't know everything but I did use to work on a respiratory/cardiac ward and even if I knew what a patient had cardiac wise, if they ever had chest pain or showed symptoms of a heart attack (note diabetics quite often don't get chest pain because the nerves are damaged, but they may be sweaty and tired) I would always do an ECG incase they had deteriorated or the rythm had changed.

I find the system hard to navigate at times myself when staff are lazy, so I can only imagine how other poor patients feel that don't have the same background as me. I will say that I don't feel comfortable putting in complaints incase it jeopardises my chances of getting work further down the track. I have to think carefully if I am going to say anything, because where i live there really isn't that many hospitals. Also too, I don't want other nurses really knowing my personal medical history, because sometimes that can be used against someone and you may lose your job. That said it would be discriminatory to do this and you could sue, but then you could very well be out of pocket considerably if the lawyer doesn't run your case well.

Another tip is to be pleasant when you ask for things, don't get cranky because people are people even though they are meant to be professionals. You will get further by being nice and if that doesn't work be nice and firm the next time around and ask them their names or where their I.D. badges are. Staff behave better when you know their names!

[SaraTwycross]

I have to say ive never experienced that and im on my 3rd pacemaker about to have a fourth. I know that os etimes the ecgs dont show anything other than the fact its paced. If your in the USAi would check out where you stand on your insurance and if they need you to have it as part of the insurance then insist for insuance purposes you have an ECG hope this helps hugs sara

[siouxbee19 in reply to SaraTwycross]

Thank you so much! I probably sound confusing, because I DO get ECG's, etc... when I go to my regular cardiologist, EP, & hospital.

It's just at my nearest hospital and ER that I've gone & don't remember them doing an ECG. I do not like that hospital or ER, but had no choice at the time.

One time I went there for chest pains, they treated me for reflux (which I do have, but not the problem that night), another time they said I had ventricular tachycardia when in fact it was AFib w/RVR!

Good thing I was finally able to get an ICD/pacemaker, and try to go to my regular medical facilities where they know my history, etc...

[Marie1212 in reply to SaraTwycross]

Hi Sara, you don't actually get a new pacemaker each time, but I think they change the battery instead.

[SaraTwycross in reply to Marie1212]

Yes this i am aware of! Im glad you are able to get yours i am sure it will improve things for you, hugs sara