Help needed - Chest pains, abnormal ECG, arrythmias ???

[R M Wright]

I have been experiencing chest pains (dull ache with (at times) a bit of a sharp pain) on left side of my chest w/ lightheadedness, extreme fatigue, SOB, etc. Lately, there has been a "burning" sensation as well. I have had bouts of this for almost a year. I also have slightly low BP (105/65 at the MD office - lower at home) and at times quite low HR (43 - 113). I have well controlled hypothyroidism. I also have had several rounds of severe hair loss (biopsy for alopecia areata was negative).

CBC tests ok with exception of WBC of 13.6 (Normal = 3.4 - 11.3), MCV at 32.9 (normal = 27.0 - 32.8), Eosinophils of 0.0 (n = .03 - 5.0) and mildly decreased calcium of 8.3.

I am a 1 pack a day smoker (I KNOW I have to quit).

Cholesterol is 125 (<200 is low risk), trig of 52 (35 - 160 is normal), HDL of 37 (> 35 is desired) and LDL of 77 (< 130 desirable).

BG levels tend to run slightly on low side of normal (70 - 80s)

At any rate, I have NOT had a normal ECG since first being tested last November.

1st ECG taken was Atrial Fillrilation (Vent rate 76, QRS 140, QT 446, QTc 474) and interpretation indicated probable anteroseptal infarction, ST-T changes in lateral leads, addt'l evidence of myocardial ischemia and Low QRS Voltages in precordial leads.

2nd ECG taken in docs office was bradycardia (I do not have a copy and don't know other stats).

3rd taken in the ER (following chest pains, nausea, SOB, dizziness, etc) was abnormal (vent rate 71, P 110, QRS 84, RP 148, QT 392, QTc 426, QTd 46, P 48, QRS 2, T 59), abnormal sinus rhythm, possible septal infarct, Low QRS voltages in precordial leads.

4th was: (the following morning) was abnormal (bradycardia vent rate 53, P 112, QRS 76, PR 170, QT 436, QTc 409, QTd 66, P 1, QRS 3, T 42) and Low QRS voltage and poor R-wave progression, nonspecific ST and T wave abnormalities.

5th taken in my dr office thereafter was also bradycardia.

Holter moniter showed 260 isolated ventrical events (3 bigeminal cycles, 23 couplets, 3 runs); 620 isolated supraventricular events (77 couplets, 10 runs).
Ventricular ectopics 262 (< 1%) and supraventricular ectopics 860 (< 1%) Avg HR 78.

Thallium stress test showed EF of 53%, suggestion of reversible ischemia involving antero-septal wall with normal left ventricular wall motion and Hypoperfusion involving the antero-septal wall which is most notable with stress.

Chest xrays (2) were both normal as was an upper GI.

Cardiac catherization showed "insignificant" CAD with right coronary artery of 15 - 20% stenosis in proximal 1/3 area, 10 - 15% stenosis at acute margin of heart and, thus conclusion of a "false positive" stress test and "non-cardiac" chest pain.

However, I have still been experiencing the symptoms and a roller coaster with my BP which tends to be a bit low with a low HR. (been keeping a chart which I plan to take to my soon to be cardiologist) BP has ranged from 83 / 48 to a high of 109 / 66 and HR from 42 to a high of 113.

Anxiety is always high - type A personality.

Chest pain are NOT brought on by exertion (or anything else that I can associate them with).

Could low BP and HR be the cause of my hair loss?????

Any information / suggestions/ comments would be GREATLY appreciated.

R M Wright

[zip2play]

R.M.,

I sympathize with your conundrum. EKG's and stress test imply ischemia while catheter angiography denies it. Ejection Fraction of 53% is weak but not seriously so.
I wouldn't worry too much if the pain is not brought on by exercise.

Pain in left center of chest could be a bronchial irritation caused by smoking. As an ex-smoker, I know that smoker's bronchitis is QUITE common.
BP and HR couldn't concerivably cause hair loss.


Two thoughts on easy things you could try:
1. Try a course of prilosec (OTC) or zantac maybe for a couple weeks and see if all evidence of "burning" goes away...if not, you've cleared GERD from possibilities.
2. Take 250 or 500 mg. elemental magnesium in the cheapest formulation you can fing (probably MgO at your favorite health food store...it might help with your rhythm irregularities.)
Other than that just remain vigilant...a clean angiography is always a pleasant and reassuring occurrence.

Are you taking any drugs that might have a plethora of side effects?

[R M Wright]

Error - duplicate submission

[R M Wright]

Thanks Zip for your input, I really appreciate it! I have done the Prilosec thing and the Magnesium supplements (still currently taking) but both thus far have been fruitless.

The chest pains are not pleasant but certainly tolerable, but the fatigue and weakness are quite frustrating and sure do throw a monkey wrench into my plans!

No, I only take synthroid, a multi-vitamin and magnesium supplements.

Thanks again!

[R M Wright]

Thanks Helmi for your input, I really appreciate it!

I really doubt that I've had a heart attack from the abnormal ECGs but sure wish someone would fix me soon. I am so tired of being so tired.

My PCP referred me to a cardiologist (appt Sept 22nd). Hopefully, he'll have a quick and easy answer!

Thanks again.