May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Heart Disease ECG monitoring
ECG monitoring |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: I am female, in my early 30's,no know health issues. I recently went to the ER with palpitations and very minor chest discomfort. The palpitations ended up being PVCs. After running a cardiac panel-I think K, CPK, etc- and radiographs-all normal- I was released and told to follow up with my regular doctor. My regular Dr. ordered a thyroid profile -normal-and Holter monitor -showed PVCs- normal amount for my gender and age. No further workup indicated. I feel fine, but have been told by family that I should be worked up futher due to family history. Maternal grandfather has pacemaker due to arrythmias -not sure which type, paternal grandfater had first heart attack at 29, pacemaker most of his life, although his heart damage was likely the result of untreated scarlet fever, sister has bigemeny, and mother had silent heart attack after hx of PVCs. My mother is 52 and whad seen the doctor for palpitations and had holter several years ago. When she went to have surgery about a year ago she was told that at some point she had had a heart attack and now has q wave abnormalities. Do you think it is ok to leave it at the Holter, of should I follow up futher? Dear Ln: The sensation of skipped heartbeats and palpitations can often be due to PVC's (premature ventricular complexes), which are generally benign, but sometimes the sensations may be caused by heart rhythm abnormalities. If you had symptoms of palpitations while the Holter (heart monitor) was recording the ECG (electrical trace of your heart), there is no need for further investigation. If you did not have symptoms while the Holter was recording the ECG, then you may require further investigation with a 48hour Holter or patient activated recorder. These investigations could be arranged by your family physician or cardiologist if necessary. |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 12 August 2010 ) |
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