ECG Reading

[Sarat9]

I failed a physical for my job (am required to wear a respirator and did not get cleared) due to an ECG reading that states:

Sinus Brachycardia - First degree A-V block
PRI = 242
Nonspecific QRS widening and anterior fascicular block

Can anyone tell me what this means, and if it's serious? I am waiting to see a doctor but live in Canada and it takes months.

[Sarat9]

Thank you!

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Understand your predicament. Sinus rhythm is the name given to the normal rhythm of the heart where electrical stimuli are initiated in the SA node, and are then conducted through the AV node to the ventricles. Heart block is an abnormal heart rhythm where the heart beats too slowly (bradycardia).  There are three degrees of AV blocks. First  degree block is the prolongation of PR interval. In first degree heart block there is a split-second delay in the time that it takes electrical pulses to move through the AV node. First degree heart block rarely causes noticeable symptoms.

So, based on your symptoms your doctor may plan therapy. Discuss this with your doctor when you meet him.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.