Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Do My EKG Test Results Indicate?
Question: Hi, I'm a 62-yr old male. History of CAD, type 2 diabetes, COPD, hypertension, TIA's, had 1 stent in '08 (RCA was 80% blocked). My EKG result from the VA read in part, "sinus rhythm with septal infarction." But it was never completely explained to me what that was. I am on 12-different meds as well as nitro for when I get chest pain. Should I go to the ER if I have even MINOR pain/pressure in left side of chest. I hate to be an 'alarmist.' Thanks in advance.
XXXX.
XXXX.
Brief Answer:
Some tests are advised
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern. Thank you for the question.
Well, descriptions on the EKG sheet are mainly for orientation if there is something wrong or not, until the patient is directed or not to a more specialized healthcare facility. We cannot be based only on that, to reach to conclusions.
On the other hand, you are a person with now-known coronary artery disease (a stent was implanted in the right coronary artery 8 years ago).
In this standpoint, an advancement of the coronary artery disease is not ruled out.
I would recommend a cardiac check-up at the moment: an Echo cardiogram (so that heart structures can be properly assessed, by means of size and function); and a Cardiac stress test (so we can decide if there is a part of the heart that is suffering from ischemia).
Depending on the results of these two tests, further diagnostic approaches may be recommended, such as coronary angiogrpahy.
Therefore, to avoid going to the emergency room every time you have chest pain, these tests will provide whether these episodes come from a coronary artery blockage or not. And if yes, diagnosis and treatment are also done with these procedures.
I hope to have been of help. I am happy to help, if you have follow-up questions.
Best regards,
Dr. Meriton
Some tests are advised
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern. Thank you for the question.
Well, descriptions on the EKG sheet are mainly for orientation if there is something wrong or not, until the patient is directed or not to a more specialized healthcare facility. We cannot be based only on that, to reach to conclusions.
On the other hand, you are a person with now-known coronary artery disease (a stent was implanted in the right coronary artery 8 years ago).
In this standpoint, an advancement of the coronary artery disease is not ruled out.
I would recommend a cardiac check-up at the moment: an Echo cardiogram (so that heart structures can be properly assessed, by means of size and function); and a Cardiac stress test (so we can decide if there is a part of the heart that is suffering from ischemia).
Depending on the results of these two tests, further diagnostic approaches may be recommended, such as coronary angiogrpahy.
Therefore, to avoid going to the emergency room every time you have chest pain, these tests will provide whether these episodes come from a coronary artery blockage or not. And if yes, diagnosis and treatment are also done with these procedures.
I hope to have been of help. I am happy to help, if you have follow-up questions.
Best regards,
Dr. Meriton
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
