What Does Poor R Wave Progression With Chest Discomfort Indicate?
Question: I am a 69 year old female. In the past month I have had the Holter monitor, followed by an echocardiagram and tread mill stress test. The cardiologist seems puzzled because I don't have a history of hypertension and no known MI history. For almost 30 years my EKGs have shown either a variant of a normal rhythm or in the past decade listed as either probably normal and more lately abnormal. Doctors have always said it is nothing to worry about. However, a few weeks ago I experienced some mild pressure in my chest and simultaneous tingling in my left arm--while resting, which precipitated the latest series of test. Today the cardiologist says I have poor r wave progression. What do you think is going on? Last week he wanted me to monitor my BP over time. On the last two visits it was 120/58 and 120/80, respectively. Today, he now wants to do a nuclear scan. I was just about to begin a deep water water aerobics class. Should I?
Brief Answer:
Wait until nuclear scan....
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Poor R wave progression is not always diagnostic feature. However with a symptoms of chest discomfort in the back ground, I would not ignore this feature even if it was inconclusive.
If you ask me, I would suggest you to postpone aerobic class. Go ahead with the nuclear scan tests. Please discuss about coronary angiogram irrespective of nuclear stress test results.
Let me know if you need more details.
Regards
Wait until nuclear scan....
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Poor R wave progression is not always diagnostic feature. However with a symptoms of chest discomfort in the back ground, I would not ignore this feature even if it was inconclusive.
If you ask me, I would suggest you to postpone aerobic class. Go ahead with the nuclear scan tests. Please discuss about coronary angiogram irrespective of nuclear stress test results.
Let me know if you need more details.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar