Know How Our iCliniq Doctor Resolved a Patient’s Worries About His EKG

A patient contacted our iCliniq doctor for an EKG interpretation after experiencing symptoms of chest pain, breathlessness, and low oxygen levels. He had a history of heart disease and a recent heart attack, was taking antidiabetic drugs and statins, and had undergone stent placement surgery in the past. The patient provided the results of various lab tests.

Our doctor reviewed the information and noted that, given the patient's medical history, there was a risk of another heart attack. The EKG revealed a left bundle branch block and first-degree heart conduction block, along with reduced function in the anterior septal wall of the heart, likely an old issue. The positive Troponin I result suggested a possible reinfarction with features resembling heart failure, explaining the low oxygen saturation. Our doctor requested an echocardiography report and inquired about the patient's blood-thinning medication.

The patient appreciated the EKG interpretation and raised concerns about another doctor's interpretation, citing ST depression in lateral leads, T-wave inversion in lateral and inferior leads, and possible small ST elevation in inferior leads. Our doctor noted the differences between two EKGs taken an hour apart and explained that cardiac changes may not immediately appear after a heart attack. He emphasized the significance of ST elevation in lead III and ST depression in anterior leads. Additional tests, including troponin measurement and a 2D echo, were recommended for a more accurate assessment. Coronary angiography, angioplasty, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were suggested if significant blockages were found.

The patient expressed satisfaction with the detailed EKG explanation and thanked our doctor for the prompt and comprehensive response.