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Can Anxiety Cause An Abnormal EKG Reading?

Posted on Wed, 26 Apr 2017

Question: Can slight movement or anxiety cause an abnormal ekg or should I be worried...???

Answered by Dr. Dr Sameer Maheshwari (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it can

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
This is Dr Sameer, cardiologist.
Yes anxiety can increase heart rate which can cause sinus tachycardia. Movement when doing EKG can cause abnormal vibrations in EKG.
If you can send me your EKG, I'll be more helpful in guiding you.
If you still want to be very sure about the heart, get a 2D Echo done & if that is fine, than their is nothing to worry.
Thanks & take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Dr Sameer Maheshwari (31 minutes later)

I don't have a picture of the ekg but it said possible av. blockage and something about rhythm.

Answered by Dr. Dr Sameer Maheshwari (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please see detailed answer

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back again.
AV block is extremely rare at your age & if their it could be First degree AV block which can be normal.
Rhythm must be sinus for you, but nothing can be commented untill i see the ECG.
At your age some arrhythmias could be their like SVT, but that result in very high heart rate(above 180/min) & patients feel extreme palpitations. So that must not be their for you.
Sinus arrhythmia is also one possible thing in which their is change in rhythm with respiration & that too is normal.

So i don't expect a rhythm abnormality for you. But if possible get a ECG done & send it to me so that i can analyse it better. Also i would recommend for a 2D Echo for Better evaluation of heart.
Thanks & take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr Sameer Maheshwari (22 minutes later)

I can try to get another one done but they did two after that one and they were both completely normal so I don't know if the next one will show what I'm talking about or not.

Also how often would I need an echocardiogram I had one last May and one about a year before that both normal

Answered by Dr. Dr Sameer Maheshwari (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Than you don't need anything

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
If the 2 earlier ECG's were fine & only one showed slight abnormality than their is no need for further evaluation. One ECG could show some abnormality because of patient positioning or vibrations during ECG. That is not significant.

If the earlier echo was also fine than you don't need any more echo.
You are absolutely fine. Relax & enjoy life.
For females its rare to have heart disease before 45.
So you do not need any more examination & evaluation.

If you have any more question, I'll be happy to help or you can choose to close the discussion.
Thanks & take care

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana