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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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I Have Palpatations And Have Had 2 Abnormal EKGs But Normal Echo Cardiogram

What is wrong with my heart? I have palpatations and have had 2 abormal EKGs but normal echocardiogram ...? I m 21 years old, and am in what I consider good health. I have smoked though for about 2 years, but I dont think that is what is causing my problem... I started having palpitations when I was 16. I had an EKG which showed an abnormal reading, so I had an echocardiogram, which was normal. My doctor tried assuring me that if anything were wrong with my heart, they would have found it, and that the cause of my palpatations was benign. Last spring, I had surgery for my ankle and they did a EKG b/c of my history, and again it was abnormal. Now 21, I still have palpitations like I did when I was younger. My heart probably beats irreguarly 1-100 times a day (stress makes it worse) and has had me concerned now for 5 years. What do you think this means? I feel if I go back to the doctor, a second echo will be done and will be fine, and they will tell me nothing. Is this just a benign thing that I may have for the rest of my life, or is this potentially something thats going to kill me one day?
Sun, 20 Dec 2009
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You don't mention the nature of the abnormality on your EKG. In truth it sounds like you are stressing about a minor matter. Nonetheless, it makes sense to have this evaluated by a cardiologist to be certain. He/she will probably have you wear a holter monitor or an event monitor to find out exactly what those rhythms are that are causing your palpitations. The results of that study will drive additional work-up or not. An initial echo is helpful but a second echo would not be the next step unless there was some reason to disbelieve the results from the first. If the cardiologist tells you it is a benign condition, believe it and try to relax about the whole matter - I've never met a cardiologist who presumes and is casual about potential heart conditions. Good luck.
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I Have Palpatations And Have Had 2 Abnormal EKGs But Normal Echo Cardiogram

You don t mention the nature of the abnormality on your EKG. In truth it sounds like you are stressing about a minor matter. Nonetheless, it makes sense to have this evaluated by a cardiologist to be certain. He/she will probably have you wear a holter monitor or an event monitor to find out exactly what those rhythms are that are causing your palpitations. The results of that study will drive additional work-up or not. An initial echo is helpful but a second echo would not be the next step unless there was some reason to disbelieve the results from the first. If the cardiologist tells you it is a benign condition, believe it and try to relax about the whole matter - I ve never met a cardiologist who presumes and is casual about potential heart conditions. Good luck.