the doc said I have an irregular heart rhythm?

Question

I went in and did the EKG as part of my annual check up. they did it like 4 times because of the abnormal reading. then the doc comes in and tells me that I may have an irregular heart rhythm. Next week he'll give me a machine to wear for 24 hours to verify.

I have never been sick before. and I felt good unitl the doc gave me this news. Ive been kinda scared. whatt causes an irregular heart beat? will I be OK? I ran a mile a few weeks ago with no problems

Could the very attractive medical assistant leaning on and over me during the test throw off my heart beat? or doctor anxiety in general?

if it matters IM in my twenties

thanks

Answer 1

Yeah, the fact of the attractive assistant leaning over can certainly affect your rhythm. Some people live with abnormal heart beats, don't feel a thing and are fine. Some people are very conscious of their irregular beats. The fact that the doc wants you to wear a 'halter monitor' for 24 hours, shows he's concerned enough to check it out. There are however some very simple reasons for irregular heart beats: lack of potassium, dehydration. If you are a drinker, and had a few the night before, this can cause a irregular rhythm. Some people's beats get better with excercise, some get worse. It's best to get it checked out, cause many things can be treated before they cause a problem. Other reason's that are relatively simple for irregular beats are: caffeine, or those OTC 'red bull' type drinks, basically anything with a stimulant. Smoking can do it too. Cold medicine also. So, go with the flow with your doc, and be grateful that he/she is being thorough enough to check it out. Especially if you have a family history of problems. Good luck,

Answer 2

PBS recently had a 3 episode series on the heart. the second episode, "The Spark of Life", was about the normal rhythm and some irregular rhythms. If you go to

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/heart/

you can watch some or all of the series. It will probably answer more questions for you more completely than any answer anyone can supply here.

One thing that I think is worth mentioning is that there are many different kinds or irregular rhythms, and PBS focused on one of the more dangerous varieties. Do not assume you are in as much danger as the family highlighted in the show.

Having been diagnosed with heart problems earlier this year, let me assure you being scared is normal. Bouts of depression are common also in newly diagnosed heart patients. These improve with time.

An attractive medical assistant, or doctor anxiety, is far more likely to have more of an impact on you heart rate than its rhythm.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Im not sure if this is something you should be worrying about. To tell you the truth I know noithing about this but I found something online that might help you out.

The fact that you said you ran a mile with no problem that should be mean that you are fine.

Here is the link that I found:

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/heart_rhythm_disorders/article_em.htm

Hope you feel better.

Answer 5

omg wow D.J. i'm no expert in medical stuff (i'm only a teen) but i'll definitley pray for you. i hope you get better and that the "irregular heart" stuff is really nothing.