What's wrong with an abnormal ECG?
May 11, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
The electrocardiogram (ECG) may show some abnormalities, which could be due to physiological factors or conditions such as hyperthyroidism or hypertension. If a patient is emotionally tense during the ECG examination, it may lead to an increased heart rate. Patients with hyperthyroidism often experience tachycardia due to an accelerated metabolic rate. Hypertension can also cause abnormal findings on an ECG.
Slight abnormalities in an electrocardiogram (ECG) may be due to physiological factors, or could result from medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism or hypertension. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Physiological Phenomena
If a patient is emotionally tense during an ECG examination, this may cause an increased heart rate, leading to temporary ECG abnormalities. Once the patient calms down, the ECG typically returns to normal.
2. Disease-Related Factors
1) Hyperthyroidism
In patients with hyperthyroidism, the body's metabolism accelerates, commonly causing tachycardia (rapid heartbeat). This can usually be detected on an ECG and is often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue and excessive sweating.
2) Hypertension
In patients with high blood pressure, the increased pressure of blood against the vessel walls places extra strain on the heart, potentially leading to abnormalities in the heart's blood vessels or function. This can also result in abnormal ECG findings.
Besides the above common causes, other medical conditions such as myocardial ischemia, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, or rheumatic heart disease may also be responsible. Patients should seek timely medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate, targeted treatment accordingly.
