Hypotension

[Lizty]

After several years with reduced afib after a relatively successful ablation, I have now developed some sort of hypotension which sees me landing flat on the floor on numerous occasions. Fortunately I slump quite gracefully so no further damage yet! I thought I had it under control........ getting up from sitting or lying very slowly... eating small meals and waiting for a while before moving.... but now things seem to have deteriorated. Have had chronic ectopics for over a week now, and the vagus nerve [I can only assume] is now so irritated that even a bout of tummy wind, has me sliding to the floor. Has anyone else had this with chronic ectopics? It is worrying me as I do not want it to happen when I am out somewhere! Both embarrassing and tiring. Would be glad to hear if anyone else has suffered from this. I guess it is a form of POTs, but a bit extreme, I must say!

[BobD Volunteer]

You need to speak to your doctor asap to find out what is happening.

[Lizty in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob... thanks for your concern. I had a whole load of tests a few months ago, but it has just got worse again recently.

It has been a very stressful year so I am putting it down to POTs returning which I have had before. If it doesn't clear up soon I will go back to the doctor.....

[Ppiman]

A friend with permanent AF has this occasionally and was told it was postural hypotension made worse if he doesn't eat regularly. I would definitely ask your GP to investigate. I wonder if it really can be "irritation" of the vagus nerve as that would, I'd think. cause a wide range of other organ issues as it innervates so much more than just the heart.

Steve

[Lizty in reply to Ppiman]

Hi Steve.... thanks, yes, it seems to be postural hypotension... but I do eat regularly, In fact it is after eating that it seems to knock in! I read somewhere you can get swallowing hypotension... though that is rare. I think I am pretty exhausted at the moment after a tumultuous year. so perhaps more prone to ectopics which do seem connected.

[Ppiman in reply to Lizty]

Some people have a stomach that “dumps” it’s good to quickly I have read and that can cause various difficulties. I certainly feel fragile after eating at times so I think you’ve touched on something and I suspect it does affect the blood pressure,

Steve

[Cavalierrubie]

If you faint with hypertension you have to see your GP. It is normal for some people to have hypertension, l have it myself, but if you pass out with it then that is not normal.

[Lizty in reply to Cavalierrubie]

It's actually hypotension.... the opposite... a drop in blood pressure. It's quite common for people to feel a bit faint on standing when they have low bp. My concern was that it was happening a lot!

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Lizty]

Sorry l meant hypotension. Wrong spelling. I have low blood pressure. It is common to feel dizzy if you get up quick but not to pass out. Take care.

[SeanJax]

please don’t do your own diagnostic. Your doctors need to examine you from head to toes. You need to wear holter monitor, make sure it is not low blood sugar, test table tilt, so on and so forth to come up with a proper diagnostic . In the meantime get hydrated and eat as you feel fit your body. Each time I see people mention vagus nerve , it sounds like Dr Google to me.

[Lizty in reply to SeanJax]

Had all that Sean. No further on. But you are right about keeping hydrated. I should drink more water.

[Ginny_Ickle in reply to Lizty]

How are your electrolyte levels? Do they have you on a high-salt diet?

[Lizty in reply to Ginny_Ickle]

No... but I have been recommended to eat more salt. so good point.