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Can A Lung Infection Have An Effect On The ECG Reading?
Question: I have type 2 diabetes. During a doctor's visit, I was told my ECG and tests were normal but liver was somewhat high, so a re-test was needed. Shortly after, he found my heart rate was high as well. I had a bad lung infection that day. Could that affect an ECG read in a lab? I'm going to be honest and also suffer from an untreated anxiety disorder. (generalized anxiety) and right now, I'm very anxious and nervous which is probably not helping the situation. I was on cipralex before
And I am seeing him Wednesday as he mentioned the "ECG was off" Not sure if it means the reading is bad or something is very wrong. Having a great deal of trouble right now keeping anxiety under control.
And I am seeing him Wednesday as he mentioned the "ECG was off" Not sure if it means the reading is bad or something is very wrong. Having a great deal of trouble right now keeping anxiety under control.
Brief Answer:
Answered point wise
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your message.
I think I can help you.
First , the ecg is a test of the heart. Pneumonia cannot affect the heart. So even though some changes may be seen in ecg due to breathing pattern changes in pneumonia, it is not significant.
Second , a high heart rate can be due to anxiety as well as pneumonia. Many people develop high BP and heart rate at a doctor's office. Its called White Coat Hypertension. Nothing to worry about. If heart rate is high due to the pneumonia, it's a matter of concern and I would ideally suggest admission and iv antibiotics.
Third ecg is off is his terminology. it's not a medical terminology. I assume he means it's not normal and needs to be retested. But since it's not a standard term I cannot possibly tell you what the Dr might have meant.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information contained in this message will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem. Best of luck. Dr Mittal.
Answered point wise
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your message.
I think I can help you.
First , the ecg is a test of the heart. Pneumonia cannot affect the heart. So even though some changes may be seen in ecg due to breathing pattern changes in pneumonia, it is not significant.
Second , a high heart rate can be due to anxiety as well as pneumonia. Many people develop high BP and heart rate at a doctor's office. Its called White Coat Hypertension. Nothing to worry about. If heart rate is high due to the pneumonia, it's a matter of concern and I would ideally suggest admission and iv antibiotics.
Third ecg is off is his terminology. it's not a medical terminology. I assume he means it's not normal and needs to be retested. But since it's not a standard term I cannot possibly tell you what the Dr might have meant.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information contained in this message will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem. Best of luck. Dr Mittal.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello Dr. Mittal,
thank you for your response.
At the time, he prescribed antibiotics (zithromax) which cleared up the infection. I've not experienced the high heart rate since then. No symptoms, except for anxiety attack. (tearfulness, nervousness, shakiness.)
I am seeing him Wednesday, but my anxiety level is through the roof. Should I ask to go back on cipralex? The anxiety level is probably not helping this situation either.
thank you for your response.
At the time, he prescribed antibiotics (zithromax) which cleared up the infection. I've not experienced the high heart rate since then. No symptoms, except for anxiety attack. (tearfulness, nervousness, shakiness.)
I am seeing him Wednesday, but my anxiety level is through the roof. Should I ask to go back on cipralex? The anxiety level is probably not helping this situation either.
Brief Answer:
Specific answers
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I think the antibiotic would have settled the infection.
And if anxiety is there do ask for your old prescription.
It would help you.
Best of luck.
Dr Mittal.
Specific answers
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I think the antibiotic would have settled the infection.
And if anxiety is there do ask for your old prescription.
It would help you.
Best of luck.
Dr Mittal.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Sorry to ask but I've read coversyl, which is a new medicine I'm on, causes irregular heartbeat. My last ECG, in August, was normal. It is making me curious and I will definitely ask the doctor, but should I stop the coversyl ?
Brief Answer:
Ideally need to see ecg, and need to know why it was initiated
Detailed Answer:
I would like to see the last ecg before commenting on this query.
However, since this is the last free follow up query, I will suggest it would be better to talk to the prescribing dr.
Reason being that I am unaware from the query why he started it in the first place.
Till then you should continue the medicine.
Best of luck, Dr Mittal
Ideally need to see ecg, and need to know why it was initiated
Detailed Answer:
I would like to see the last ecg before commenting on this query.
However, since this is the last free follow up query, I will suggest it would be better to talk to the prescribing dr.
Reason being that I am unaware from the query why he started it in the first place.
Till then you should continue the medicine.
Best of luck, Dr Mittal
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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