What does this EKG report indicate?
Patient: I went in today for a pre-surgery check with my primary care doctor (family practice). I am scheduled to have a C3 through C7 anterior disc fusion on April 5. After my doctor checked me out, he indicated that he cannot clear me for the surgery until I see a cardiologist. He gave me a printout of my ekg that says st junctional depression non specific. I am supposed to get the clearance for the fusion two weeks prior to the surgery, but an even bigger concern is the abnormal ekg. I am a 50 year old white male who is treated with medication for high blood pressure and very high cholesterol. Is the st depression indication something that should alarm me? Or is it a common incident in someone of my general health? Doctor: Hello,Since this is the major spine surgery you're scheduled for and your family doctor wants to make sure that you don't have any underlying cardiac issues. Though ST-segment depression >1 mm is significant and may indicate compromised blood flow to a specific portion of your heart. But before jumping to any conclusion it's better to visit your cardiologist. He may advise some more cardiac-related tests including Echo and Excercise/Persantine Stress test to get a better view of your heart. And will clear you for your surgery based on the results. Good Luck with the procedure.Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.Regards,Dr. Ameet Kumar