HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Does The Following EKG Report Indicate?

default
Posted on Wed, 17 Dec 2014
Question: Took an electrocardiogram can you help me interpret?took a recent electrocardiogram cant interpret -- " QRS 92 ms QT/OTc/QTd: 398 ms/417 ms P/QRS/T axis 31q 14 q 7 q heartrate 71 bpm" please interpret --

echocardiogram normal blood tests normal BP 134/84
doctor
Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Normal EKG

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX Sacco,

Welcome to HCM and thank you for the query.
Your EKG is normal except for a marginal increase in QTc which is normally below 400ms . Yours is 417 ms. This is due to Sotalol which can increase QTc upto 40 ms.
There is nothing to worry. Only caution required is you should try to avoid simultaneous use of other medicines that can also increase QTc.
Your BP is adequately controlled as per the new guidelines.

I shall be happy to answer, if you have more queries.
Have a great day
Dr Noble Zachariah
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (40 minutes later)
Thank you -- can sotalol be discontinued or treatment with another beta blocker? I feel that the medicine is giving me known side effects such as sleepiness and bad dreams.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please let me know the reason to start Sotalol

Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.
Please let me know the indication for which Sotalol was started?
Was it for a high blood pressure or an arrhythmia?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (11 minutes later)
no medical issues until 2012 -- Atrial fibrillation following surgery for gallbladder removal 2012 -- treated at hospital then released no meds taken for several months - then started on sotalol 1/2013 after diagnosed still with afib since then taking 80 mg x2 - for 2 years ekgs last 2 years all normal, in sinus rhythm - been told on previous healthcare magic consult that I can be good w/only rate control .vthinking another med would lessen sleepiness and tiredness which are affecting my work and schedule-- fall asleep early evening, nightmares, etc
doctor
Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
May change to another beta blocker

Detailed Answer:
Since you have had only two episodes of atrial fibrillation and not a more serious arrhythmia, you may be able to substitute another beta blocker for Sotalol.
The simplest is Propranolol which would be available as sustained release forms to be used twice a day. You should not use it if you have asthma.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (4 minutes later)
Thank you for your answer. How should I ask the doctor to give me a different drug?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Depends how your doctor takes suggestions

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

It depends how open your doctor is.
You could explain your problems with the present medication and ask for his advice. You may be able to drop the word propranolol during the conversation.
I have no problem accepting a suggestion from my patients , if I feel it would be good for them.
Wish you good health
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (24 minutes later)
one last question -do you advise discontinuing the drug completely or should I continue to medicate?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Gradual change over

Detailed Answer:
What I recommend for my patients would be a gradual change over from one medicine to the other.
You could take Sotalol at night and Propranolol in the morning for two weeks. See how you are responding, if there is any side effect etc. If you are doing well, your heart rate and BP in the normal range, then use propranolol both times and stop sotalol.
Continue to monitor heart rate and BP

You are welcome to ask me any query any time.
Have a great day
Dr Noble Zachariah
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Noble Zachariah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1974

Answered : 2319 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Does The Following EKG Report Indicate?

Brief Answer: Normal EKG Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Sacco, Welcome to HCM and thank you for the query. Your EKG is normal except for a marginal increase in QTc which is normally below 400ms . Yours is 417 ms. This is due to Sotalol which can increase QTc upto 40 ms. There is nothing to worry. Only caution required is you should try to avoid simultaneous use of other medicines that can also increase QTc. Your BP is adequately controlled as per the new guidelines. I shall be happy to answer, if you have more queries. Have a great day Dr Noble Zachariah