low blood pressure on exercising

[pickleball1]

Doctor increased my flecainide to 150mg 2x daily. I had been playing pickleball with no problems when suddenly I felt dizzy, vision blurred and felt like I wasnt getting oxygen. I was losing consciousness. I haven't really gotten any answers so I am not playing pickleball now. I think I was having a reaction to medication. (I have a pacemaker)

[Cavalierrubie]

Aren’t they the side effects of flecanide? How long have you been taking it? I would consult a heart specialist if it happens again and have a proper check. I would want to know the reason my blood pressure dropped when exercising. My GP is useless with heart conditions. Take care.

[Pommylump]

I don't know about flecainide but I am on sotalol, I finished my last Ironman while taking sotalol, while I was in the recovery area my blood pressure dropped so low I was so dizzy I couldn't stand up, a doctor came from the medical tent, checked my blood pressure then sent me off to the local hospital in an ambulance.

When I got to the hospital my blood pressure was just about back to normal and a few hours and tests later I was sent home.

I told my cardiologist about this and he said what do you expect you are on Sotalol, apparently it opens up your veins or something during exercise , he also said if it happens again just lay down for half an hour or so and you will be fine.

Mine being Sotalol and not flecainide I'm not sure how relevant this story is

[Thomas45]

First I looked up "pickleball" as it's not normally played in northern England. It looks quite strenuous. I was on 150mg x 2 a day of Flecainide for 10 years with no problems.

I once felt as if I was going to faint, very light headed. I was walking up a slight incline when suddenly I felt that I was going to fall, so I sat down in the pavement. As it was not a normal thing to happen in a busy city. Someone helped me stand up and then took me to a seat where I could sit down. Soon the feeling passed and I went on my way. My doctor believed it was caused by too high a dose of a tablet to reduce blood pressure, I was given a lower dose, and all was well.

You mention you have a pacemaker and take Flecainide. Do you take any other medication, for any reason?

[pickleball1 in reply to Thomas45]

I also take Eliquis, Metoprolol and astatin for cholesterol. An ambulance was called and they tried 2x and couldnt get a blood pressure reading. I contacted my heart doctor and he prescribed 100 mg 2x daily. I havent played pickleball since but I'm doing other exercises (walking and eliptical for 30 min and havent had another problem) I would like to try pickleball again but am concerned about what caused my reaction. Thank you for your feedback.

[Vonnegut]

The dose you have been prescribed is the maximum which seems an awful lot and it does not allow for taking extra should you have an episode. I have been AF free for ages taking half the amount you are taking. Of course, we are all different but it does seem a very high dose to start with. Good luck!

[DawnTX]

was it warm out that’s a lot of activity also. I have been told not to stay in the heat very long and I’ve learned for myself that yes I can actually pass out. That’s what happens to me. My BP drops. I also have a pacemaker.