ECG problem.....Inverted T wave

[booke23]

Hi,

I have just had my Class 1 initial at Gatwick, and all was fine except the ECG.

I seem to have inverted T waves, which the CAA want to investigate......they are saying that I will need a stress ECG and an Echocardiogram.

I am 27 years old, fairly fit, don't drink or smoke and have no family history of Heart trouble, and I am not presenting any symptoms.

What is likely to be causing this anomaly? The doctor at the CAA said it can indicate reduced blood supply to the heart, he also said it may well be a anatomical oddity which I have.

Anyone have experience of inverted T waves?

Any information or advice would be welcome!

Thanks

[Farty Flaps]

I too have inverted t waves. After the initail tests they will bug you after two years then every five for a bruce stess test or something. Mine appeared mid life and i too was superbly fit. Many investigations later and no explaination and no change since . still have a five year check up to kep them happy. Thats just the fact of it they wont leave you alone but i obtained my uk clas one with it and have held an unrestricted one since day one..

If you live up north there is a god cardiologist who is also a pilot who can help. check your private message

farty

[kowloon]

6 years ago I had something called a reverse "P" wave. Are you sure you heard him right? The doc noticed. It was a hobby of his to predict what the CAA might notice before he sent the ECG up to the CAA. He asked if I had taken exercise recently before the ECG. "Yes" I said, "I've just come from the Gym" (and shower).

He said come back tommorrow before the gym and we will throw this ECG away. I suggest you stay away from CAA medical centres if you can. Some CAA docs are a bit harsh.

Next day no reverse "P" wave = CAA medical renewal.

Take it easy during the stress test, and best of luck.

The moral of my story is: Take it easy the night before your urine test. :ok:

[Rabid Dog]

Hmmm.
As you may know, the T-wave (as well as the other waves) in an ECG, reflect the electrical activity of the heart. The direction of the wave (the vector) reflects electrical activity in areas of the heart, related to the pumping of blood by the different chambers of the heart, in response to nervous signals.
In some individuals, especially in different ethnic groups, there exists variation in the direction of the vector. This can exist as a normal anatomical variant, and at 27 this is most likely the cause, HOWEVER, changes in the vector also occur as a result of damage to heart tissue (from many causes), which in turn affects the electrical conductivity of the heart, hence the requirement for further investigation. Hope all goes well for you.

[BALOO]

Hadn't looked in this forum before and this info may be too late - however-
I too have an inverted T-wave. Had to go back to the CAA on initial issue to do an 'exercise' ECG. In my case, it was assessed that I have always had this anomaly - and always will. NO PROBLEM! (or so they tell me). I think the real problem is when, after normal ECGs, you suddenly get a change. I don't have to do anything different - an ECG every year like everyone over 40 and the CAA have never mentioned it since the 'exercise' ECG.
BTW, if an exercise ECG is the same as a stress ECG then get some practice in walking fast uphill! I was told "oh, nothing to worry about, it's just a walk on the treadmill". What they didn't tell me is that the speed and inclination are increased every minute or so and you continue until you can't go on any more!!
Best of luck :ok:
BALOO

[booke23]

Thank you all for your replies.

I have had an echocardiogram and stress ECG, and it turns out that my inverted T waves are what they call a normal variation.

In other words I have no problem with my heart, It's just the way I'm built.

The Class 1 has now been issued with no probems.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Excellent news - you can just forget it now and enjoy your life. I wish you the very best of luck...