Grossly Abnormal ECG

[Greyhound5]

I had AFib in the 2010s which resulted in an ablation in 2015. Thankfully since then it hasn't reoccurred, though I did wear a 24 hour monitor in 2020 due to experiencing palpation, the result was slightly abnormal showing a few ectopics but nothing concerning. To jump forward to this Sumner I experienced what I think are called ocular migraines, without a headache. As I last had those when I had AFib I always associated then with the AFib despite no proof of connection. I saw my GP who referred me for an ECG which I had this week. Later that day my GP rang me to say my ECG showed ST and T wave inversions and she was considering sending me to A and E. She mentioned heart attack and ischaemia and frankly scared me to death. She said my ECG showed significant deterioration from 2020 and wanted to know why, so would refer me to cardiology. She said if I experience chest pains, rapid heart rate above 130bpm or shortness of breath I should go straight to A&E. This phone call brought back all my old health anxiety and I spent the evening terrified. I found this forum and also noted that you could speak to a cardiac nurse via the helpline which I did the next morning. She was very helpful and more reassuring and explained that an ECG doesn't have any context and what could be abnormal for sone may be normal for me with my history as I havent had any symptoms other than the odd run of palpations which I've always had, but I should wait for cardiology to have a look. So to cut a long story short I am more reassured but also keen for cardiology to have a look. This was not something I was expecting at all this week. I'm 53, female and currently on Ramipril and 10mg statin for slightly raised cholesterol.

[Cookieisland]

Hello,

I can completely understand your worry about this. I had something a bit similar last week. I had an ecg done by my GPs as part of my referral back to cardiology and they completely freaked me out by saying there were quite a few abnormalities. I ended up calling the cardiology department in a panic (as I had been before and had their details) who reassured me not to worry and actually you can have abnormalities but it was completely fine.

It might be worth giving the cardiology department a ring to check you’re on the waiting list and also ask to go on the cancellation list if this is something you could do. I ended up getting a phone call this week from them offering me an appointment for the next day due to a cancellation so I actually only had a short wait, as original appointment was supposed to be December.

It’s really not easy to not worry but hopefully you’ll get answers soon! Take care!

[Greyhound5 in reply to Cookieisland]

Thank you for your reply. It is really scary, so it's good to know I'm not the only one! My notes on the NHS app say my GP has made an e-referral, so I'll give it a few days and then contact my GP again to check this has happened, and then maybe contact Cardiology though I'm not sure where I've actually been referred to. Hopefully your appointment went well this week.

[Cookieisland in reply to Greyhound5]

Yes I’d definitely recommend following up. Just knowing what the progress of your referral often helps you feel a bit better!

It did go well thanks, I was so nervous about it but the cardiologist was really nice and I have a better idea of what’s going on. Now trying to get settled on a new medication which stresses me out but hopefully will be worth it!

[Biscuit08]

Morning, if it’s any consolation I am in a similar position. I am a 47 year old female. I have been getting palpitations and following an ECG I was told mine is abnormal. Apparently there is a “T wave inversion in the inferior leads” This completely scared me and I spent a week stressing and making myself very ill. I have tried hard to relax and now have an appointment to see a cardiologist.

I would agree with the other post check you are on the waiting list - and if you are using the NHS you can find the wait times - although this also terrified me. 🤣

On a final note my father in law passed away at 87 from old age. His ECG was always abnormal, each time it was done the paramedics used to panic and my husband always had to say oh don’t worry about that it’s been like that all his life. It was abnormal but normal for him - and he had no heart conditions ever.

Good luck and do pass on any de stress techniques too.

[Greyhound5 in reply to Biscuit08]

I can empathise totally with how you've been feeling. This forum has actually helped me de-stress, knowing there's others in a similar situation. Hope all goes well at your cardiology appointment!