Hello doctor, I just went to my general practitioner due to recently having some issues with shortness of breath and an odd sensation in my heart area. I suspected it was nothing but went in anyways just to be sure. The sensation in my heart area is not at all painful, but just a sensation of "fullness" or "tightness". I got an EKG done, and the results said I have a "minor interior repolarization disturbance, consider ischemia, LV overload or aspecific change. flat or low negative T in AVF with negative T in III" I am a 29 year old male in generally good shape. I smoked for about 10 years but quit two years ago. I still smoke marijuana daily. Also, about eight years ago, I had a root canal done, and it has now re-infected twice. I am scheduled for an apicoectomy next month to deal with the asymptomatic infection. I only mention this as I am worried that maybe the untreated infection could have spread from the root of the tooth to my heart? Also, I live at 7,000 feet elevation which I am sure does not help the shortness of breath, but have lived here about six years. I am currently very nervous thinking I have a serious issue. Can anyone tell me what these results mean? My general practitioner referred me to a cardiologist but I do not want to be a nervous wreck until I hear from them.
Hello. I have carefully reviewed your detailed query. You definitely need an in-person cardiologist consultation for appropriate evaluation of the issues. Only EKG is not conclusive in such a case. We need to listen to the heart and then go for thorough physical exam. Tests may include but not limited to exercise stress test, echocardiography, thallium scan, chest X-ray, CT scan, angiography and others if needed. Once ruled out we can say with confidence if there is any issue that needs proper management. Yes, an infection can spread from the teeth and throat infection to heart and can be diagnosed. Blood work also helps in this regards to find out infectious agents in blood and due to infection, any changes in the blood. If there is blockage to any of the blood vessels supplying the heart, there are chances of shortness of breath and patient can be short of breath even talking for some time, little physical activity or climbing the stairs. Do not panic and just follow as directed by your primary care and go for cardiologist evaluation. Meanwhile, go for apicoectomy and keep in touch with your dentist. Hope it helps. For more information consult a cardiologist online -->