Question

I had an EKG during a panic attack and it came back as sinus tachycardia with q waves inferiorly. It’s odd because I’ve never had MI or anything. Doctors did tell me everything came back normal. Can someone explain?

Answer 1

However, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider to get a comprehensive and accurate understanding of your specific situation.

Sinus tachycardia refers to a faster-than-normal heart rate originating from the sinus node, the natural pacemaker of the heart. It is a common response to various physiological and psychological factors, including exercise, stress, anxiety, fever, dehydration, and certain medications. Panic attacks can also cause an increase in heart rate, leading to sinus tachycardia.

The presence of Q waves on an EKG can raise concerns because Q waves are typically associated with previous myocardial infarctions (heart attacks). However, it's important to note that Q waves can also be present in other situations and not necessarily indicate a heart attack.

There are various reasons for Q waves to appear on an EKG other than a heart attack, including:

1. Normal Variation: Some individuals may have naturally occurring Q waves that are considered normal and not indicative of any heart condition.

2. Non-Infarct Causes: Q waves can be seen in conditions like myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle), and other non-ischemic heart conditions.

3. Misinterpretation: Sometimes, EKGs can be misread or misinterpreted, leading to the appearance of Q waves where there may be none.

4. Technical Artifacts: Technical issues during the EKG recording can also result in abnormal waveforms.

The fact that your doctors informed you that everything came back normal suggests that they have reviewed the EKG findings and determined that the sinus tachycardia with inferior Q waves is not indicative of a heart attack or significant heart problem.

It's essential to have open communication with your healthcare provider about any concerns you may have regarding your health. They can provide you with detailed explanations based on your specific medical history, symptoms, and test results. If you still have questions or are unsure about the results, don't hesitate to seek a second opinion from another qualified medical professional.