I had my first episode of NCS last week at work and was sent to the ER. The EKG showed ischemia (low oxygen) so I was given a stress test the next day. That was negative so I was sent home. I am still worried about the abnormal EKG. Any similar experiences?

Dear New NCS - I don't have ischemia, but know the frustration that comes with being told, "nothing showed up." I was put on a 30 day cardiac monitor and that was what was needed to catch my episodes of tachcardia while staying in sinus rhythm. After that, I was sent to a cardiologist for a workup. Maybe you need to do some doctor shopping. This was copied from the American Heart Association web site: "What is ischemia?

Ischemia (is-KE'me-ah) is a condition in which the blood flow (and thus oxygen) is restricted to a part of the body. Cardiac ischemia is the name for lack of blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle.

What is ischemic heart disease?

It's the term given to heart problems caused by narrowed heart arteries. When arteries are narrowed, less blood and oxygen reaches the heart muscle. This is also called coronary artery disease and coronary heart disease. This can ultimately lead to heart attack.

Ischemia often causes chest pain or discomfort known as angina pectoris (AN'jih-nah or an-JI'nah PEK'tor-is)." Retrieved 5-19-08: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4720

Hi,

EKGs are notoriously inaccurate at finding ischema by themselves. Ths is why they add a stress test (which by the way you had an EKG running during the entire test.)

If your stress test did not detect ischemia, I would not worry about the EKG.

Spektre