ECG Blip

[Doorstep]

Last year I went to GP with breathlessness on exertion. Had bloods, chest xray and ECG. Was told ECG showed I'd had a heart attack! Had angiogram yesterday which showed clear arteries. Great news. I asked about the abnormal ECGs (I had 3) and cardiologist said it was a blip and my heart was fine. I'm not too sure of the meaning of blip. Meanwhile I'm still breathless on exercise so it's back to GP. Anyone else been told about blips in ECGs?

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Doorstep

Has anybody considered

Microvascular or vasospastic angina?

These conditions cause a temporary lack of blood supply to the heart muscle which will show up on an ECG.

They are not well recognised and understood so often overlooked

The BHF has this information perhaps ask your GP or Cardiologist to have a look and discuss this with you?

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Doorstep in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you for replying. I'll check out the links. No one has suggested this. I've never had any angina pain though. Just the abnormal ECG.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Doorstep]

Many patients with MVA are breathless on exertion no pain it usually effects women.

Often over looked and missed. However it is important for MVA to be ruled out as a possible cause of your symptoms

[Doorstep in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you. Something for me to consider. I appreciate your info.

[Prada47]

Hi Doorstep

( That is the size I cut unsliced bread like a Doorstep !! )

Back to the ECG when I went to my Dr about Breathlessness she did an ECG just looked at it and said I will send this to Cardiology at the Hospital. That started off a chain of events !!

So ECGs can offer a lot but they are only the start of the journey, a snap shot at that moment in time. So a blip is just a moment in time not a definite problem indicator.

Regards

[Doorstep in reply to Prada47]

Thanks for replying. Three separate ECGs on three separate occasions, months apart, have shown the "blip". Having had all the tests I feel like I've come full circle because I still have same symptoms.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Blips in ECGs are usually regarded as insignificant but an increased PR interval is believed to be associated with an increased risk of developing AF in the future. Personally I am not a great fan of resting ECGs and think a 24-hour monitor to check their frequency might be appropriate, and maybe an exercise ECG.

[Doorstep]

Thank you so much for replying. I agree about 24 hr monitor and I'll look into this.