I suffer from lightheadedness, feeling faint around breakfast time about once a week, followed by weakness, then I revive a bit later in the day. . This morning I nearly fainted completely and it was followed by nausea. Last week I had nausea as well. I was feeling fine when I had my echocardiogram and when I had an ECG monitor, so I doubt that anything would have been discovered. Could my symptoms be those of paroxysmal AFib ? It would help if someone has had similar symptoms. Thank you.
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bluepuddy1
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I’ve not had those symptoms with PAF but I most definitely have with heart block. It took numerous repeated tests for them to catch it on a 7 day monitor. More tests probably a good idea for you.
Quite right bantam, today I had loads of tests down at the local hospital and a drop in heart rate has been found that coincides with the faintness. Thank you.
That sounds really unsettling, and I can understand why you’d be concerned. I’ve had some similar symptoms before, and for me, it turned out to be low blood sugar in the mornings, which would leave me feeling weak and lightheaded, especially after not eating for hours. Even though your tests came back clear, it’s still worth bringing up to your doctor to rule out any heart-related issues like AFib, or maybe even something like dehydration or a blood pressure drop. I know a Holter monitor might give you more insight if these episodes continue.
I've had similar in the past, it sounds like low blood pressure events, which can be caused by AF. It can be difficult for clinicians to confirm this if it's intermittent, if you had your own BP monitor you could check your own blood pressure, and I've heard that you can also get your own AF continuous monitor, incorporated in a watch.
I have had loads of tests at the hospital today and so far a drop in my heart rate seems to be causing the faintness. Difficult to know at what times I’m in AFib. Haven’t got all the results yet, but I’m relieved that I have an idea of what is going on. Thank you for your help. Will let you know more later.
I used to loose consciousness, had idea what had caused it first few times, everything was back to normal when I recovered or saw doctors, until it was finally captured on monitor in ambulance.I have a pacemaker now so problem solved.
Best wishes
PS
A smartwatch might be a good idea for continuous monitoring.
I have been near to blacking out, but have managed to get myself out of it somehow. I’m sorry it has been worse for you. I’m definitely considering a smartwatch.
Sounds like low blood pressure, which can be a side effect of some AF meds. But we aren't drs here, best to get it checked properly. Keep notes of how you feel and when..
My friend advised me to get things checked out, I phoned the doctor and she wisely referred me to the hospital for tests. It seems my heart rate changes, which causes the faintness. All of the results will be out soon. I keep a diary which has helped.
The other thing it could be is vestibular migraine. I get it occasionally and it causes dizziness and afterwards sometimes a headache. I also occasionally get nausea with it as well. Might not be but worth considering
I have AFib, but the doctor checked me for migraine, so he definitely considered it. The final verdict seems linked to fluctuations in heart rate. Thank you, it could have been migraine.
A Kardia mobile can diagnose irregular heart rhythm. The NHS have tested them, and cardiologists recommend them. They connect wirelessly to your smartphone.
ECG and Holter monitors can miss these sort of episodes. Smart watches were not around when l developed this but persistence got me an Implanted Loop Recorder that showed that showed heart stoppages (Cardiac Induced Syncope) and in no time flat l got a pacemaker- problem solved - no more faints or blackouts. An ILR is inserted in the chest (tiny op) and can work for up to three years reporting irregularities…….
I have been diagnosed with AFib. I do try to monitor my blood pressure at home, but when you are feeling faint, all you are thinking of is trying not to become unconscious, as you have understood. It will be necessary for me to have some sort of monitor for my heart rate. Thank you.
I had this. I would get up in the morning and go into the kitchen and start to feel faint so I would go to lie down. After I had recovered from it, I was fine. I couldn't really understand it because it didn't seem linked at the time to my AF. It must have been though as, since I had my ablation four years ago, it hasn't happened again.
yes I had exactly as you described and the EP decided another ablation or a pacemaker. The reason for the feeling faint etc was because my heart rate kept dropping very low so I was given a pacemaker and whoopee no more lightheaded, faint, weak, queasy feeling.
Obviously I do still have the afib, but as that now has turned into permanent afib I don’t seem to notice it quite so much. Except unfortunately I have just had a chest infection, bronchitis and pneumonia so afib gone into overdrive. Also I’m panicking because I have to have a colonoscopy on Saturday which I’m not bothered about at all, but I hate the bowel preparation laxatives and no control. So afib double overdrive!!
Good luck and maybe see your cardiologist or EP again as it could be your heart rate dropping every so often.
I had a very bad fainting fit yesterday and the doctor referred me to the SDEC unit at the local hospital. I was given a very thorough selection of tests and the consensus seems to be that a drop in heart rate every week is contributing to the faintness. I’ve been offered a cardioversion. Heart failure was alluded to. All the results haven’t come through yet, so this is the present situation. I’m sorry that you have had a chest infection, bronchitis and pneumonia, you must be feeling really rough with all that lot. I hope you have good results from the colonoscopy.
Yes your symptoms were so similar to mine with the drop in heart rate. It was occasionally at first but did increase over time
I did have 4 cardioversions which didn’t last very long, then an ablation at St George’s Tooting, but unfortunately thst didn’t last either. Hence the pacemaker. I hope you get sorted quickly. Some people on here do say their cardioversions last a while so good luck snd hope successful for you
I do feel better thank you, still coughing a bit but good.
I have some days when I feel lightheaded and weak in the morning. I've found it's usually the result of low blood pressure. Drinking a couple glasses of water and eating something salty solves the problem for me. I hope it's something as simple as that for you.
Thank you JudyMarie, but the diagnosis seems to be different. I have come near to blacking out completely. I will have to see the discharge note from the hospital to see if there is any room for doubt. So far they have proposed a cardio version which I’m not sure about.
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