I keep fainting when I go out - Heart Failure Sup...

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I keep fainting when I go out

arnieatmo profile image
14 Replies

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.

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arnieatmo profile image
arnieatmo
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14 Replies
marthadee profile image
marthadee

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

arnieatmo profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
arnieatmo in reply to Ianc2

yes it is, mainly due to the caffeine content

kayskids123 profile image
kayskids123

I also have had irregular heart beat after resting and coffee

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 profile image
donkeybaby in reply to

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.

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 profile image
donkeybaby in reply to

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.

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 profile image
donkeybaby in reply to

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 profile image
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 profile image
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

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.