I am a 41 yr old female. A couple of weeks ago I had an abnormal EKG. I was told this was due to low potassium. (My primary care dr who prescribed the medicine was supposed to check my potassium levels but did not - I have been on this medicine for about 5 yrs)

This is what it says on my EKG readout:

Sinus Rhythm
T wave abnormality, possible anterior ischemia (-0.1+ MV T wave in V3/V4) Abnormal ECG
Unconfirmed

Does anyone know how to interpret this?

I am now scheduled for a stress test where they inject you with thallium on Tuesday and I am terrified. My biggest fear in life is that I will have a heart attack!!! I have had a consultation with the cardiologist and she seems to think I have nothing to worry about. She took me off the BP medicine with the diuretic and replaced it with Atenolol 100 mgs once a day and Zestril 10 mgs once a day. Is there anyone out there who has had a similar experience with a good outcome? I really need some support and good news. All replies welcome.

Thanks,

Pam

Pam, don't worry; the thallium stress test is a very good test and it will show up any congestive heart problems or arterial blockage.

An ECG interpretation is really what separates the men from the boys and you should rely on your cardiologist's interpretation. Usually a GP will shake his head knowingly when all he really sees are the same "squiggly lines" you do.

As far as the estimate that the irregular ECG was due to "low potassium", that just plain guesswork. If your serum potassium level goes low on a diuretic you have to either supplement the potassium, usually by diet, or switch away from the drug, ESPECIALLY if you have weakness symptoms from the low K+.
I think EVERYBODY'S serum potassium goes slightly low from most common diuretics. It's just the way they WORK. (Nearly all the potassium in the body is in the cells, so too much can be made of low serum potassium. However, if you get LOW SODIUM, you've got a BIG, BIG problem.)

Good luck with the stress test.

(I hope you don't start coughing day and night from the Zestril, many do!)