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What Causes Silent Myocardial Infarction?
Question: I had an EKG today for surgical clearance. I am a 55 yo female, 55" tall, weigh 121. I was diagnosed in my early 20's with PVC's however never took meds for it and symptoms have improved with age. My BP is low, cholesterol normal. The EKG was performed in a family practitioner's office. The doctor told me the test indicates an anteroseptal infarct, age indeterminate. The doctor expressed that she feels strongly the results are incorrect; however, she wants to follow up with an echocardiogram and a stress test, which I plan to do immediately. Both of us were surprised by the results. The leads used for the EKG were clipped to my clothing, which was new for me. I have been very anxious since hearing the results. I don't recall a time when I had symptoms that are normally associated with a heart attack, although I realize this can happen. How common is this?
What is the treatment?
What is the treatment?
Brief Answer:
Following answer to your query.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.
Silent miocardial infraction is a well known findings and may happen in up to 10% of the cases. However I would like to say that an abnormal ecg finding doesn't necessarily mean that you have passed a heart attack and other test are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
If you were my patient i would recommend to do :
- blood work with heart enzymes (troponine test)
- cardiac echo
- stress test
- cardiac ct angiography
This test will serve to confirm or definitely exclude the possibility of previous heart attack.
If this is confirmed than you should run angiography (and coronary stenting if needed during the same procedure ) to find out the exact number and position of coronary arteries blockage.
Meanwhile you should start immediately medical treatment with aspirin, statins and betablokers. Since these drugs may have unwanted side effects you should discuss this with your doctor.
Hope this was of help!
Dr.Benard
Following answer to your query.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.
Silent miocardial infraction is a well known findings and may happen in up to 10% of the cases. However I would like to say that an abnormal ecg finding doesn't necessarily mean that you have passed a heart attack and other test are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
If you were my patient i would recommend to do :
- blood work with heart enzymes (troponine test)
- cardiac echo
- stress test
- cardiac ct angiography
This test will serve to confirm or definitely exclude the possibility of previous heart attack.
If this is confirmed than you should run angiography (and coronary stenting if needed during the same procedure ) to find out the exact number and position of coronary arteries blockage.
Meanwhile you should start immediately medical treatment with aspirin, statins and betablokers. Since these drugs may have unwanted side effects you should discuss this with your doctor.
Hope this was of help!
Dr.Benard
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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