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Original poster

Did I get fobbed off at A&E?

33 replies

PurblePlace · 17/06/2024 21:37

I went to the doctor the other day. She took my heart rate and said my erratic heart rate was alarming. It was jumping from 95, to 75, to 85, back up to 95, all within 30 seconds.
She booked me in for an ECG in a couple of weeks time but told me to go to A&E if I get pains and/or fluttering. She said it was worrying.

Last night I did indeed feel fluttering and had palpitations constantly so I went today. My heart rate was again ranging from 98 to 78.

I had an ECG done.
It said “sinus rhythm normal, possible left atrium enlargement, ECG borderline”.
This panicked me.

But when I went into the next room with the consultant, he asked me how old I was. When I said 27F, he said “ah okay, it’s all fine then”. He said my fluttering is “perfectly normal” and my ecg is “100% fine”.
I asked him why it said borderline, why my heart rate is so erratic and why I’m getting flutters then; and he just said not to worry and sent me home?

Am I missing something? I’ve never had an ECG so I don’t know what’s normal?

OP posts:
Original poster
PurblePlace · 17/06/2024 21:55

Ahh ok, honestly was just wondering because I don’t really know how ECG reports work. Thank you!

OP posts:
AnnaMagnani · 17/06/2024 21:54

There isn't any evidence of an enlarged heart though, just an automated ECG report which nobody would ever rely on.

Haveyouanyjam · 17/06/2024 21:53

Not fobbed off for a&e at all no, as you are not acutely unwell. Having an enlarged heart doesn’t generally cause any problems but can increase risk for a heart attack. However, as a young woman you are otherwise extremely low risk, especially if you are a non smoker. Keep an eye on it and keep referring yourself back to the GP if the issues carry on, heart palpitations can be due to anxiety, caffeine etc. I would keep asking for monitoring as you age but it’s unlikely to be a problem in the short term.

AnnaMagnani · 17/06/2024 21:48

The machines are programmed to report on the ECG but they are useless at reporting and haven't seemed to get better in 20 years.

Professionals are trained to always ignore the report the machine gives you.

Plus the issue you went with was palpitations, they checked while you thought you were having a palpitation but your heart rhythm was normal.

A+E are only going to look at emergencies, they showed you weren't having and emergency and so sent you home.

PinkiOcelot · 17/06/2024 21:45

Surely your GP should have referred you to a cardiologist if she found it so worrying.

Original poster
PurblePlace · 17/06/2024 21:43

I just don’t know if it’s normal for the sheet to say “ecg borderline” or “possible left atrium enlargement”!

Im sitting down stationary right now and I reckon my heart rate is close to 100!!

OP posts:
Rosesandboys · 17/06/2024 21:42

you sound genuinely concerned, it’s your heart so I’d probably ask your GP for a second opinion.

PumpkinPie2016 · 17/06/2024 21:40

I'm not a medical expert so can't advise on that side of things.

However, absolutely go back if you get more fluttering/palpitations or other symptoms. Better safe than sorry!

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