Can anyone translate the cardio speak into everyday English please?

[Judithdalston]

I am a 3 year plus sufferer of the virus that cannot be named and still having problems with BP, HR , breathlessness and lack of sense of smell… I am on 5 BP drugs (amlodipine, bisoprolol, doxazosin, indapamide and losartan ) and had two ECGs, 1 echocardiogram and 2 X-rays. Although I was referred to a cardio over a year ago never got to see a clinician, just a phone call suggesting I swop indapamide for Bendroflumethiazide which was put back as still extremely dizzy after 4 weeks. Today got a letter saying cardio Dept are discharging me as aetiology does not explain breathlessness ( nor presumably still raised BP or high 100+ HR with minimal effort), but still waiting after 6 months to even be given an NHS respiratory appointment. Anyway the cardio letter mentions last Gp ecg ‘looks ok showing incomplete right bundle branch block and right axis deviation’… what does this mean?

[RufusScamp]

The BHF website has a lot of useful info, but it might be worth contacting the nurses helpline 0300 330 3311 Mon to Fri.

[Mentdent]

That sounds like you live in West Shropshire. The cardiology department there at Royal Shrewsbury and Telford are very good at avoiding patients. Ask for a second opinion.

[Judithdalston in reply to Mentdent]

No, north Cumbria…but equally rural/market town type of NHS coverage no doubt!

[Esentepe]

Judith so sorry to hear about your ongoing health issues. Very frustrating. I can offer some info on incomplete RBB. I am a nurse but this is not medical advise. Incomplete RBB is common, more men than women, affects about 10% population. Usually hereditary and an incidental finding. Wouldn't expect to cause symptoms. The electrical pathways of right bundle branch are not complete. My son is 16 and training to be a pilot at his medical he was told he had incomplete RBB. Told doesn't affect his ability to fly. That is why I guess they are suggesting ecg looks OK. Hope this helps a bit? Keep pushing for answers don't give up.

[Judithdalston in reply to Esentepe]

Thanks for telling me it’s normal! What I don’t understand now is whether this result from the second ecg is different from the first one, or did that show this ‘normal’ result too, but the cardio couldn’t be bothered to comment! The cardio definitely changed between the two.

[Esentepe in reply to Judithdalston]

Judith hi it is an abnormality just not one that causes symptoms or needs treatment. Probably congenital. Yes both ecg s the same. Not sure why not commented 1st time. Has anyone mentioned POTs in relation to tachycardia or suggested ivabradine. Could in part be related to breathlessness? Might be worth asking. It is very frustrating and nhs waiting times very long.

[Judithdalston in reply to Esentepe]

only me has mentioned POTS to Gps and nurses, and in writing when given them a week’s BP and HR records ( at least 2-3 times)…I get the impression they don’t recognise it as a problem! I’ll have to start again with Gp now the cardio has dismissed me….

[Hidden]

Sorry to hear of your situation. I have a complete right bundle branch block. This situation was more than likely with me from birth due to the congenital issue I have. It does not not cause me too many issues and they the medical team seem to not be too bothered. The incredible thing Is that even with a right bundle branch block the right ventrical will still beat. but the electrical signals will find another way around to contract. So the right ventrical will be delayed. I think mine is about 186 milliseconds. But as someone said right bundle branch block can be hereditary or you where born with it. But it is worth discussing with doctor. How many ecg you can have. Since my congenital issue was found I have had about 5 ecgs in a year and they are all the same.

[Judithdalston]

Hi Felly, I have had two ecgs but only got any feedback from second, and cardio who looked at them has certainly changed. Might well be from birth rather than the disease that cannot be mentioned…earlier this year found out after X-ray and MRI scan following a bad fall that I had always had a life long knee deformation, that nobody bothered to inform me about despite lots of earlier scans/ pain/various NHS treatment! It is the breathlessness that I find so disabilitating, and embarrassing, and there are just no appointments to see respiratory drs. even after 6 months, so it’s DIY diagnosis and treatment!

[Hidden in reply to Judithdalston]

I think it is hard for all of us. I have breathless Ness on exertion due to my congenital issue. But the trouble for me is the right bundle branch block comes with the congenital issue. Its just a constant worry. I personally don't know a way to except it. It is not easy.