slo’s WEDNESDAY 11/12 poll - EKG

[Debbie Jean]

First was at 12 when I had emergency exploratory abdominal surgery… long story but I’m sure that was done even back in the 50’s.

At 73 with cardiac disease as well as other medical complications, I’ve had them done regularly for some time now. I must admit when I saw the poll my first thought was doesn’t everyone have these done? Guess not lol

 

[jimmymc]

My primary care doctor does one every annual checkup, starting when I was in my 20s.

 

[tvguy]

Well, the American Heart Association recommends them starting at age 20 !!!
I don't remember my first one exactly, but it was in my late 40s.
I was diagnosed with afib at age 66 and now see two cardiologists and get two EKGs a year. I have also had a ablation and cardioversion and take afib medication and blood thinner. Afib will be something that will be monitored for the rest of my life. One thing I have learned is that some cardiologists are now recommending every patient over age 65 be on a blood thinner as a preventative measure. Sort of like cholesterol medicine I guess.

But my primary Doctor at the time was not big on any testing. He didn't even order my first colonoscopy until I was 55, and THEN it was only because his patient files were audited and I was flagged during the audit as being overdue.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I don’t remember getting one before my 60’s.

 

[unrequited23]

I had one at 33. I had food poisoning and became so dehydrated that I was repeatedly passing out. I had to wait until the EKG was read to start my IV fluids.

 

[rndmr2]

I have had a couple over the years. I had some heart palpitations a few years ago and the doc sent me to the cardio and they did one then. Then I had my gallbladder removed in 2011 (I was 38 then so I think the other one was after 30) and when I went to the Er they insisted I was having "Chest pain" and worked me up for a heart attack EKG, Aspirin, etc. of course it was normal but because of my size, where I was pointing - The epigastric area, upper center abdomen BELOW the chest- they insisted that it was chest. I kept insisting to them that I was Not having chest pain, I was pretty sure it was gallbladder (to me it was actually pretty classic gallbladder symptoms, I know then because I am a nurse but I don't like to tell ER's that I am a nurse for a few reasons.

Then a few years ago I was having the palpitations again and they put me on a Holter Monitor for 48 hours (A wearable heart monitor so essentially a 2 day EKG). Fortunately it was normal, although frustrating because I still get the palpitations and still have no idea what they are.