Hi-
I'm here once in a while, love your info., and have a new and unusual question.
I had an abnormal ECG test that showed "incomplete right bundle branch block" (which I believe is insignificant) and "left anterior fascicle block" (which I think may not be?). Sx.s are shortness of breath and palpatations. Could it be asthma?
I KNOW we aren't Dr.s, but just wondering from other patient's experiences, sound familiar?
Then, I had a second ECG which the Dr. said was worse, stress test which showed I was out of condition (NO KIDDING), and blood pressure was 150/110 while on the treadmill. Resting was 120/90.
My PCP was freaked out by my ECG and said I had heart damage. I'm not getting much info. from the cardiologist yet but she seems less concerned. Holter moniter results next week. I'm not overweight but haven't exercised regularly in a few years. Good cholesterol.
My question: Is this just from CP (couch potato) disease, or is it related to my lupus?? Anyone had this and was it serious? The "google" sites just made me more confused!
Thanks so much, and HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone!
Kiley
I don't know but my husband just had a Right bundle branch block show up on an EKG and he has very severe Lupus. It had never showed up before. Good question!
Hi Kiley,
Why did you have the EKG in the first place? I understand about the shortness of breath, etc. But, did you ever have pain or pressure? Passing out? Heart racing over 100 bpm? Do you smoke? Do you have antiphospholipid syndrome?
Sometimes the EKG will print out an incorrect diagnosis...a cardiologist will read it and give an interpretation. If they say that's what it is, then they need to keep testing to find out why you have that. How old are you and do you have a family history of heart problems? The Lupus is definitely a risk factor. Did they recommend a baby aspirin a day? Most of the time, they say that the RBBB is non-threatening, but it depends on what it is from. If your primary doc is concerned, then I would definitely take all of your records to another cardiologist for a second opinion.
Let me know what happens and stay on top of it - it's important.
Good luck!
Leslie
I find up to here because there is a link to my muscle weakness. I was diagnoised RBBB at 15 years old. I also had a complete heart block because my pacer failed. I don't mind you ask me any questions. I wish someone can tell me the symptoms of LUPUS. How you get diagnoised? Blood test or phycial test?
Dear Pika, The typical exam involves bloodwork, urine analysis, a thorough physical, & a lifetime medical history-taking. Plus heart, lung, liver, kidney, neuro, skin, (etc.) tests may be called for.
Criteria defined by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) are the baseline used to diagnose & classify. Generally speaking, if you've had 4 of the 11 listed at some time (not necessarily all at once), you are Dx'ed with systemic lupus (SLE). A lower "score" may suggest you have one of the variants (subsets) like discoid lupus (DLE), subacute cutaneous lupus (SCLE), etc.
You could start reading with the "sticky posts" at the front of the Board. Take good care, Vee
I've seen my cardiologist and my rheumy and neither is telling me much but neither think it's related to my lupus. I AM good at advocating for myself but am fed up with trying to get info. from these specialists.
I have no family history of heart disease.
The stress test showed left axis deviation and non-specific ST abnormalities (no idea what these mean), but otherwise, nothing serious.
I guess the blocks, for now anyway, are benign.
The holter showed some abnormal sinus tachycardia (from fever and/or antihistamines) that explained my palpitations. Cardiologist says this is nothing to be concerned about and I am confident with her conclusion but, to be SURE, will ask my PCP next month.
Thanks again for your thoughtful response and advice!
Best to all, Kiley
PS- Pika,
I was diagnosed w/ lupus from blood tests, my medical history, and my physical signs/symptoms. Hope you are well!
