Abnormal EKGs

[moobob]

I hit a hiccup in the SF physical process. I've had two EKGs almost a month apart that show a 'Right Ventricular Conduction Delay.'

I was referred to Korean hospital cardiologist who tried to convince me that I might have Brugada syndrome or Sudden Unexpected Death Syndrome (??, and that I should do no more physical activity for 6 months, and he wants me to show up once a month for 6 months for an EKG.

The visit went something like this.
Doc: "Does anyone in your family have a history of dying suddenly when they were young"
Me: "No."
Doc: "Do you ever feel dizzy or lightheaded?"
Me: "No."
Doc: "I think you might have Brugada syndrome. Don't worry too much though, you probably won't die."

I'm getting a second opinion from another Korean hospital on Monday. I've been researching my 'situation', but I am looking for some questions to ask the new cardiologist when I see him/her. I'm a little concerned now, moreso curious in where this will go. Although this is a 'modern' country, I do have a little concern knowing that the majority of the population here believes that you can die from "Electric fan death." Google that for a laugh...

[Doczilla]

Good news and bad news, Moobob. If you have Brugada syndrome, you should be restricted from highly intense physical activity. People with Brugada do indeed suffer sudden unexpected cardiac death, and it's thought that this is a frequently undiagnosed cause of sudden cardiac arrest. The syndrome is implicated in sudden death of athletes who don't have a structural heart abnormality. There is no medication that is known to help.

The good news is that Brugada syndrome is treated by placement of an automated implatable cardioverter/defibrillator (AICD), which brings the mortality rate to 0 (from Brugada syndrome, not from all the other dangerous stuff you might do). :D

I don't know if you have it or not without seeing your EKG, but you are right to get a second opinion. Some recommendations are that asymptomatic Brugada patients with no family history of sudden death can simply have close follow-up and don't necessarily need an AICD, so the first doc's recommendation isn't necessarily wrong. If you have it, you need to look into being worked up by an electrophysiologist (a subset of cardiologist) and possibly getting an AICD asap. This is exactly what I would ask the cardiologist about.


'zilla

[moobob]

Turns out I'm probably going to have to make a trip to Hawaii (possibly Japan) to get checked out. I'm told there's currently no U.S. military cardiologist in Korea. I'll know more on Tuesday.

I'm taking the whole situation pretty seriously. However, I don't have much confidence in the locals that I've seen so far, so I'm pretty optimistic. I've always thought I was in excellent cardiovascular health, although it's my understanding that Brugada can show up in asymptomatic people...

Doczilla: If you'd like to see the EKGs, I could scan them and PM a link next week. For educational purposes only of course.

I'd planned on going to SFAS for Feb/March. This is turning out to be an interesting turn of events.

edit: The exact finding of the local cardiologist was that I have a right bundle branch block, with possible Brugada. I'm willing to bet that the abnormalities on my EKG are going to turn out to be benign once I see a specialist. Better safe than sorry and if it means a trip to Tripler, which is warm, I'm can't complain.

[The Reaper]

Never look a gift horse (or a trip from Korea to Hawaii in February) in the mouth.

TR

[moobob]

Got it sir. I'm way down south, so it's not that cold here anyway:)

I went from perfectly healthy to a possible serious condition. The irritating thing about it is that I still feel normal. If this stuff pans out to be on the bad side, I'm pretty sure it'd take me out of the Army. I have no choice now but to listen to the medical folks. I'm no good to anyone if I have a reasonable chance of randomly going into cardiac arrest.

That said, hopefully this will turn out to be nothing, and I'll get on with the things I'd like to do.

[The Reaper]

And if it is something, better to catch it now and NOT go to SFAS, than to stroke out halfway through a 15km night land nav leg in the middle of the woods where no one can hear you.

TR

[Spartan359]

Man that's shitty. Hope all goes well Moobob.

[CoLawman]

Good Luck Moobob. Keep your great attitude!:lifter

[AF IDMT]

Good luck, moobob! I am interested in seeing how this turns out for you.

[moobob]

An update: I was totally misdiagnosed and basically got a free vacation because of it.

Can't complain about Hawaii per diem rates.