In my recent annual check up, I was subjected to a battery of tests. One of the tests called the StressEchocardiogram detected an abnormal ECG/EKG pulse at stage 4 when my heart rate was only at 138 bpm.
The target for stage 4 is 160 bpm. This condition is known as a bundle brunch block (BBB). It is a dangerous condition with no symptoms. When triggerred, it can be fatal.
Simply put, BBB is the blockage of electrical pulses flowing into a heart that trigger the heart muscles to pump blood into various parts of the body. When pulses do not work coherently, one could faint or have a heart attack.
I reported to the doctor that during the stress test, I had an asthma attack. I had not had an asthma attack for the last 18 years. Perhaps this could have affected the stress test. However, the doctor said that this had no bearing and that the stress test equipment is highly accurate.
I requested for a re-test. The doctor was concerned and cautioned me to relax and not let my heart beat exceed 130 bpm as it can trigger the BBB. I was also put back on my asthma medications for 3 weeks in preparation for this re-test.
When I returned for the StressEchocardiogram test, they made me sign a consent and disclaimer form in case something happens to me!
During the test, when I reached stage 4 with 172 bpm, I prepared for something to happen to my heart. I held on to the bar and braced myself not to fall. Instead, my my knee cap gave a crackling sound but it was nothing serious.
The doctor reviewed my results for about 30 minutes. There was no sign of the BBB in the ECG/EKG charts for this second StressEchocardiogram! He said this was the first time he had seen a reversal of the test results for this condition. I was so relieved! A heavy baggage had been lifted from me!
If the doctor said that this condition is not reversible, this must be a miracle! Thank you Jesus!
Tom Loh
FGT Subang Jaya
19th Dec, 2019