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Question:
Should I be worried about ST depressions on my EKG?
I have been diagnosed with significant ST depressions in 2, 3 and AVF measuring more than 1mm on an ECG. I had one ECG in Jan and one in Aug of this year, and the doctor said they showed prominent ST segment changes. Went for an exercise stress test, Normal. Should I be worried? The Cardiologist said it is just my normal heart beat, but it still bothers me since it seemed to get worse from Jan.-Aug. What do you think?
submitted by Laurie from Michigan, on 10/31/09
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Atasu Nayak, MD
Thank you for the question. ST depression in inferior leads (II, III, aVF) can be seen in variety of conditions like hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy, ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy (weakness of heart muscle) etc. You need a treadmill nuclear stress test to rule out decreased blood supply to your heart and an ultrasound of the heart to rule out weakness of heart muscle and wall motion abnormalities. Regular treadmill exercise stress test is indeterminate for ischemia due to baseline EKG changes. Please see a cardiologist for this. He/she will examine you and schedule these tests.
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Updated November 2009
