The Meaning of Abnormal EKG Results
Many physicians recommend EKGs as a preventative-screening tool
for those with a family history of heart disease. While a
healthy person does not need an EKG as a part of an annual exam,
many physicians will recommend an EKG if they have concerns. If
a patient complains of chest pain, palpitations or other
indicators of heart problems, the physician will likely
recommend an immediate EKG test. Depending on the severity of
the situation, your doctor may refer you to a local testing
center immediately or ask you to schedule the next available
appointment.
An abnormal EKG is determined by comparing the results of your
EKG graph with a standard or normal heart graph. Spikes and dips
within the graph are referred to as P, QR and PR and other
similar acronyms. Normal EKG readings show a slight flat-dip in
between contractions and relaxations. If these flat-dips are not
present, it may be an indication of a more serious problem.
Normal EKG readings will have spikes and dips too.
Myocardial defects, heart valve disease, enlargement of the
heart, inflammation of the heart, coronary artery disease, and
past, pending or impending heart attacks are only a few of the
problems that EKG's can help to detect. The conditions in which
the EKG is performed can also have an impact on the accuracy of
the results. Some heart problems are not present all of the time
and therefore may not appear in EKG results. In cases where
heart problems are suspected but not detected on the EKG, a
Holter monitor may be recommended. This monitor is worn, usually
for a period of 24 to 48 hours and serves as a type of mini-EKG
test. The patient wears the monitor at home and it continuously
records heart activity. Doctors also recommend that the patient
be relaxed during the exam because any muscle trembling or
contractions can alter the results and produce an inaccurate
reading.
Many people are surprised to learn that they have had an
abnormal EKG reading. What is even more surprising is that when
presented with abnormal EKG results, some doctors do not seem
concerned. It doe not necessarily mean they are inadequate or
uncaring physicians, it is more likely they believe something
else has caused the abnormal reading. Most will want to pursue
further testing or another EKG. Sometimes an event as simple as
low blood sugar can have an altering affect and produce false
EKG readings. Other times, abnormal EKGs require further testing
to determine what, if any, problems actually exist.