Seishin, Are you being referred for an echocardiogram? That's not the same as an ECG/EKG. What you had in the hospital is an ECG. An echocardiogram is where they put this lovely gel on your chest/heart area and "look" at the heart with an ultrasound machine. You basically just lie there and may take some deep breaths in or be asked to hold your breath a few times. With MG, that can be a little harder to do. If that's the test you're having, just make sure the tech knows that and they will adapt things to your needs.

A neurologist is not a cardiologist. Some neurologists like to think they know everything but it's important to be evaluated by the right specialist if you have concerns. So, yes, a cardiologist should probably evaluate what's going on.

There are so many things that can affect a heart rate. Sometimes it isn't even the heart! The thyroid can affect your pulse too. Do you know what your blood pressure (BP) is?

MG can cause a higher heart rate when it gets worse because the body does not have enough oxygen and the heart is trying to make up for that by beating faster. That doesn't mean that your heart is bad, though.

Has anyone checked your basic chemistry, including electrolytes, liver and kidney function, etc.? They might have done that in the ER. Did they draw blood? Did you get the records?

I always ask for a copy of an ECG for my records. They can print an extra one for patients at the time of the test. They don't normally give it to you until the doctor has looked at it first but they normally cough it right over to me.

Since you are relatively new at MG, you should ask as many questions as you need to. What drugs are you on now? Did you get Mestinon?

I hope this has helped. You shouldn't be overly concerned about what's going on but getting the right help from the appropriate doctor is important. That will reassure you and give you answers.


Annie