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My ECG Shows A Wide QRS Im Freaking Out. 2

Posted on Tue, 24 Dec 2019

Question: My ECG Shows a wide QRS im freaking out. 2 tests with an AT HOME machine 0.14 and 0.16 respectively. My father died at 62 from sudden cardiac arrest. I would like to talk to someone about it. Thanks. I used to drink a lot, I do smoke, my blood pressure is normal and I am the right weight for my height, I am not terribly active. How accurate are these at home machines. This one is called "HeartCheck" I am concerned I will die from sudden death while brushing my teeth. Thank you.

Follow up: Dr. Bhanu Partap (30 minutes later)

I feel that this machine is not terrible accurate.

Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Needs proper evaluation

Detailed Answer:
Hello

After reviewing the ecg image and the medical history provided by you I would like to tell you that there is a need of proper cardiac evaluation in which proper 12 lead ecg, echocardiogram is required.

The ecg which you have provided is not a complete ecg however it does show slightly broad qrs. More than moderate alcohol consumption do causes alcohol related cardiomyopathy which require echocardiogram for evaluation.

Kindly get the tests done and revert back with reports.

Kind Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Bhanu Partap (3 hours later)

I've had those leads done before and the doctors never said anything, ive done that test 3 times now and the first test was 0.16, then 0.14 and 0.13 (normal 0.12) what can sometimes make those numbers change like that, activity, food, drink, dehydration, etc.

Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Hello again

Detailed Answer:
A qrs duration of more than 0.12 sec or 3 small squares is said to be wide.

Causes of a widened QRS complex include right or left Bundle branch block, pacemaker, hyperkalemia, ventricular preexcitation.

Food, drink etc doesn’t affect this per se.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Bhanu Partap (6 hours later)

I want more information. What you're telling me is 1 google search. What is considered a life threatening QRS, anything over .12? Could this machine be off? What are some symptoms of having a Wide QRS. What are the proper steps to take to investigate further. Professional ECG, doctors visit. Can any foods stimulate a slow/long QRS. Nicotine, sitting position, dehydration, fatigue. What is a normal QRS for someone my age, on average. Etc. Please be thorough with your answer.

Follow up: Dr. Bhanu Partap (22 minutes later)

I have upload my report from this morning. As you can see the QRS is now different, is this something that fluctuates all the time.

Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hello again

Detailed Answer:
1. Qrs is always fixed and should not vary. Upper limit is 0.12 and anything beyond that is abnormal and can provoke complications like arrhythmias.

2. Yes this could be machine related error that’s why I told you to get a proper 12 lead ecg done from a medical centre.

3. QRS is fixed (normal range 0.10 to 0.12) and is not affected by any such things.

4. Qrs duration is same for all age groups ie 0.10 to 0.12

You need to get your self evaluated by personally consulting a cardiologist as basic tests like proper 12 lead ecg, echocardiogram, thyroid profile and complete blood count needs to be done.

I hope you are satisfied with the answer now.

Kind Regards

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj