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Are EKGs enough???

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Posted 12/8/2015 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
So through all of this, and I think I mentioned in my intro to the group, that one of my concerns has been my heart. I have palps seldom, but sharp pains that come and go. They too aren't that often. Maybe a couple times a day. My pulse is high but my blood pressure is ok.

I have had a few EKGs over the past few months, and a chest X-ray in July. The emergency doc said everything looked good (that trip was before I knew about the lyme). I've had three EKGs since and my doc said everything looked. He said by listening to the heart and the EKGs he was 98% sure my heart was fine. (If this sounds familiar I apologize).

I know you are not doctors, but the health anxiety/hypochondriac has me worried. The last time I was in he suggested a echocardiogram, but without insurance until Jan. 1 (good old obamacare) that is not financially feasible. He said not getting the test was ok and I shouldn't worry. Well, of course I'm going to worry.

Don't get me started on my lungs... Smoker through my 20s and afraid I did more damage.

Thanks for listening (reading)

Logan
Posted 12/8/2015 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
NO!!!! My experience should explain why. I am 34 now and before my world came crashing down on me a year and a half ago. I was a avid runner. I ran 30+ miles every week and won most races I entered in! I started feeling bad in march of 14 ( right after hunting season). Also a avid hunter and was bit by tics literally every weekend! Not knowing what the consequences could be I didnt think much of it when it happened.Especially since I hunt in south Ga where lyme disease "doesnt exist". I went to my g.p. one day so sick I could barely walk and my b.p, was through the roof. Then 30 min later back down and then right back up. He sent me to a cardiologist. Who did a ekg and it was fine. I also went to the emergency room twice and they also did them and they were fine. He finally did a echo cardio. My ejection fraction was 30%!!! The infection had got into my heart. That is really bad for someone my age and in the shape I was in. I finally put it all together and found a llmd (with help from this forum) and got a igenix test and was diagnosed! With treatments my heart has since came back to normal and I am finally able to run a little now. Ran a 4 miler yesterday and a 3 today. Good luck to you!!!
Posted 12/8/2015 11:41 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks justinj for the response. Barring the fact that I cannot afford the echocardiogram at the moment and I am being treated, any suggestions?
Posted 12/9/2015 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
Chest pain has been one of my primary issues....in fact I ended up in the ER over Easter weekend because of severe chest pain. After the EKG they said I was not having a heart attack and released me. Of course that started the process of multiple visits to a cardiologist who then required me to undergo a stress test and wear a 24 hr. heart monitor. Everything checked out fine. I also have very normal blood pressure.
After all the testing I came to be more aware of the amount of thoracic inflammation I experience everyday. I have inflammation in my shoulders, upper back and ribs which creates some disturbing nerve pain in the chest area. I know everyone is different but I just wanted to point out that there are additional sources for chest pain that may not be heart related....

As for suggestions ... I always found that light exercise... ( bike ride ) to get some blood flow would make me feel better ... I guess my theory was that my heart wasn't going to get any healthier by avoiding exercise... and if I really did have an issue I assumed the exercise might bring more symptoms to light... But once again everyone is different.... Exercise may not be an option for everyone.

Post Edited (B777) : 12/8/2015 5:24:05 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/9/2015 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
Also justinj what were some of the symptoms you had if you don't mind me asking?
Posted 12/10/2015 8:22 PM (GMT 0)
Yes i think it's a good idea to do an echocardiography , it can detect valve damage and any problems in the blood flow between the chambers, things that EKGs are not so good at.

"The echo measures the size and shape of the heart, how well the valves are functioning, how the left and right side communicate, and the velocity of the blood leaving the heart"

/wuphysicians.wustl.edu/your-health-update/post/3618/ekg-vs-echo-heart-health-can-depend-on-both#sthash.RY4RcbjM.dpuf

This is especially useful with Bartonella infections, which can damage the valves. If you know you have it, and you are under treatment, it's a good idea to do a screening maybe once a year, see if things are OK.
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