A few questions about extra heartbeats and EKGs

[Dez]

Today I went to the doctor, and not only do I need bloodwork to test for mono, I need to go to get an EKG. She'd noticed an extra heartbeat a few times that I've been there and today decided that I needed one.

Is an extra heartbeat genetic? My grandfather, father, aunt, and cousin all have one. Why should I even get it checked if it won't impair my health? What should I expect when I go for the EKG?

Thanks guys.

[Kitty.]

Hey Dez,

Things like that are genetic. Both of my parents have heart problems and me and my sister have occasional palpitations. You need to have it checked just in case there is an underlying issue that the doctors can't currently see. When you go in for an EKG, they will place sticky pads on you that are hooked to a machine and they will monitor your heart that way. Depending on the results, they may also want to do an echocardiogram or give you a heart monitor. I've had all three of those things and it's nothing to be afraid of at all.

[The Morrigan]

I've never had an EKG myself so I'm not sure entirely what you'll expect but basically they'll attach some electrodes to you so they can measure the electrical activity of your heart - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electro..._of_electrodes The Wikipedia explains where abouts the electrodes will be placed.

Also, I'm not sure if an extra heartbeat is genetic but a lot of heart conditions are so it's likely that it is and even if it won't impair your health it might just be something to make a note of for future reference if it turns out you do have an extra heartbeat.

Take care and I hope the EKG goes well

[OMFG!You'reActuallySmart!]

Originally Posted by vividdream

Today I went to the doctor, and not only do I need bloodwork to test for mono, I need to go to get an EKG. She'd noticed an extra heartbeat a few times that I've been there and today decided that I needed one.

Is an extra heartbeat genetic? My grandfather, father, aunt, and cousin all have one. Why should I even get it checked if it won't impair my health? What should I expect when I go for the EKG?

The extra heartbeat may be genetic but it usually is a symptom. I cant say what the syndrome or disorder may be because there's an endless list. The EKG output may be able to rule out many of the potential disorders but not necessarily pin-point the cause. Your family members may all have an extra heartbeat but that's not any issue, rather the issue is where the extra heartbeat is, when in the EKG output it occurs, how often (i.e. randomized or not), etc... .

In the EKG output, some people have a U wave, as an extra heart beat. Depending on the size of the wave, it's deemed healthy (small wave). Usually large U waves (unhealthy) are due to electrolyte imbalances (i.e. potassium, sodium and calcium) but can also be due to hormonal imbalances (i.e. T3/T4). These imbalances would be detected in basic blood tests.

I mentioned U wave because it's easy to see on a EKG and is common in many people as healthy. Below is an EKG with a U wave and the various intervals are outlined as they're measured to calculate the EKG waves.