I keep fainting when I go out

[arnieatmo]

I keep fainting when I go out, my entire system just seems to shut down, I've noticed that a lot of the time it happens during or immediately after having a rest & having a coffee (with or without caffeine). I can't find any connection on the internet, does anybody else get this? I was discharged from hypertension clinic & stroke clinic, am now waiting for appointment with a cardiologist, 5 to 6 months wait.

[marthadee]

If you are taking a diuretic that maybe the cause. I have fainted twice because I got so dehydrated

[arnieatmo in reply to marthadee]

I'm taking supplements instead so maybe! last year was first time in my life they had trouble taking blood, same happened 2nd time, so something suddenly causing some dehydration but it puzzles me, ain't it difficult trying to drink anywhere near as much as they say you should?

[Ianc2 in reply to arnieatmo]

Coffee is a diuretic ? I usually drink a pint of warm water on rising while I cook my breakfast, and have another pint after 12 o'clock along with normal mugs and cups as usual.

[arnieatmo in reply to Ianc2]

yes it is, mainly due to the caffeine content

[kayskids123]

I also have had irregular heart beat after resting and coffee

[Hidden]

initially this was why I went to my GP. I had 3 episodes where I almost passed out but came round after a few minutes . The first was the worst. Everything checked out OK and it was only when I had an ECG that it showed left bundle block. Then 2 months later when I saw my cardiologist after an echocardiogram had been carried that I received my diagnosis letter of HF. Things have got worse since that now being very short of breath and extremely tired.

[donkeybaby in reply to Hidden]

I had a cardiac resyncronization therapy with defibrillator implant for my left bundle branch block and feel better. Are you under the care of a Heart Failure Nurse Specialist? Mine has been brilliant and has changed my meds to make sure I'm as well as can be.

[Hidden in reply to donkeybaby]

Hi

Thank you for your reply. I am under care of HF nurse and they are brilliant. When I went to gp first it was because of what I called blackout. She said bp upper end of normal so gave me bp tab. Never had a problem with blackout or dizziness afterwards. So all seems to be working as best it can now. I was worried about defib as I love driving and have a few vintage cars. Cardiologist said if it triggers I won't be allowed to drive for 6 months. I'd find that hard to cope with. Before this I drove a lorry part time not my main job but I'm not bothered so much that it has ended. I'm really glad it has worked well for you.

[donkeybaby in reply to Hidden]

It will only trigger if your heart goes into a dangerous arrhythmia. You can also have one without the defibrillator; it just resyncronizes the electrical impulses in your heart. Hope you get sorted; it's very frustrating waiting for appointments when you know you're getting worse. You could try telephoning the consultant's secretary and asking to be considered for any cancellations.

[Hidden in reply to donkeybaby]

Thank you ,the sensible thing is to have both and I think that is what I will do .The cardioligist did say that it could save my life as my heart could stop at any time. Do you feel the benefit of having the pacemaker? Has it meant that you aren't as short of breath or as tired?

[donkeybaby in reply to Hidden]

Yes, although it's taken a view months to get to that. I can now walk uphill without having to stop every 10 yards and I rarely fall asleep in the day. I sincerely hope that you feel a difference too. Got a letter today from my Cardiologist following an Echo a couple of months ago. He says the scan itself looks a lot better and there are good reasons to be optimistic! I'll take that.

[donkeybaby]

Is your blood pressure too low? If you can take your blood pressure regularly it may help you. I kept going dizzy and my BP was too low. I've come off one of my water tablets and I haven't been dizzy since.

[arnieatmo in reply to donkeybaby]

sometimes its in the 120's/80's my norm is 140's/90's. I take my BP when I'm feeling ill or having bad palpations

[Hidden]

My blood pressure is good and steady now. I take 2.5mg bisoprolol for it. 120/80. My heartbeat used to be 100 but now 70.