Intermittent fainting episodes

[Vespa10]

Hi, I'm new here and would really value some advice before I see my cardiologist again.

I had my first episode of fainting 3 years ago, had a 7 day recorder, nothing found on that or ECG and it was put down to a one off odd rhythm and I was discharged.

I have had 3 episodes in the past year, the last one resulted in me hitting my head and knocking myself out for 90 minutes and having injuries requiring many stitches. Each episode was at a different time of day in different circumstances .

I have had 7 day monitoring, ecg, echocardiogram all of which were fine. I'm waiting for the exercise test. I spoke to the cardiologist yesterday and she feels that my frequent periods of being lightheaded are not heart related and I can feel her getting ready to fob me off again. I naturally have a slow resting heart rate of 55 which drops to 42 in my sleep. I also have low blood pressure.

I am very frightened of this happening again. I am a 47 year old female with no other significant health issues.

What can I ask for? Should I ask for a second opinion? I am in the UK. Thanks in advance.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! For a bit of background I work p/t with medical sensors so read some of the trade literature. I think the option your cardiologist needs to consider next is an ICM (implantable cardiac monitor). These are similar to a pacemaker but monitor 24x7. The big advantage of other technologies is they are not limited to 1/7/28 days, are wireless and the data is downloadable.

If you get nowhere with your cardiologist you could consider a private consultation. I did this for my angiogram as I felt the waiting time was unacceptable. Initial consultations are about £200 - £250. You need to research first so you see one with the appropriate clinical interests. Good luck!

[bee862]

Maybe ask for a echo. Then they can make sure all the valves are working properly. Good luck

[Funky_Uk]

I was told for 5 years there was nothing wrong with me even though I was collapsing and felt about 80. I was 32 and looked fit and healthy so it took years to get some heart tests, my cardiologist told me when I collapsed I should be placed in a corner until I wake up she was sure there was nothing wrong with my heart. To cut a long story short my Dad forced the cardiologist to put a reveal device in my chest and within 3 months it revealed the problem when I collapsed again. I’m now on my second PM and haven’t collapsed since don’t let them ignore you, I’d ask for the reveal device then at least you will know if you collapse again it will show if it’s heart related or not, good luck x

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Funky_Uk]

The device I described is the next level of technology. I am really glad things have worked out for you. Either would be appropriate for Vespa10.

[Funky_Uk in reply to MichaelJH]

It was 12 years ago I’m sure they are even better now 😁 the reveal device saved my life x

[2stents in reply to Funky_Uk]

This is very interesting I’ve never heard of this reveal device!

I’m having lots of light headedness, it’s a long story with me I have posted on here recently. Short version

1stent 20yrs ago

2nd stent 10 yrs ago

Which also related in a pseudo aneurysm 5 hour op.. been having angina on all the usual meds, 2011 angiogram was told 50-70 stent blocked, put on adizam obviously I’ve been getting worse put on isosorbide last year another angiogram was told both stents were blocking but not enough to re-stent ????

2 weeks ago Cardiolgist said he would re do stents, telephone call last week told blood running thro arteries ok but small veins blood sluggish, been on blood thinner for 7 weeks now, still feeling dizzy went to stroke clinic on Thursday scan showed a white patch on back of brain so he is getting his team to look at it more closely. Ecg showed slight movement and found a heart murmur

Sorry for long post but just wondered if it’s worthwhile asking for one of these reveal devices..

[raygunriot]

I have the same problem and we are the same age. No health issues or medications. It's completely random for me. It has made me paranoid to fly and no one can help me. I tried Dramamine on the last flight and I was ok, but I can't confirm it did anything.

[Vespa10 in reply to raygunriot]

I started medication to raise my BP 2 weeks ago so we will see. I am not entirely convinced but will wait and see.

[raygunriot]

I should've mentioned, this only happens when I fly. My blood pressure is always normal otherwise.

[Lamsie]

Hi Vespa I had a Reveal implant 6 weeks ago due to 3 episodes of SVT which led me to blackout. On the 3rd admission to hospital they said I needed this implant. It has shown what the problem is and I have my ablation booked for 9 September! The reveal shows any pattern, abnormalities with your rhythm etc etc. Good luck!

[Vespa10]

I have a reveal which hasn’t shown anything yet. Cardiologist is convinced it’s low BP bringing my HR down so we will see on this new medication.

[Vespa10]

I have no idea? I’ve always had fairly low BP. HRrate only low over the past year. I don’t understand?

[Lezzers in reply to Vespa10]

Vespa, what medication have you been prescribed to raise your BP? Hope you don't mind me asking

[Vespa10 in reply to Lezzers]

Midodrine. Only past 2 weeks. Side effects are a bit grim.

[Lezzers in reply to Vespa10]

Do you keep well hydrated? My husband has low BP, he's often dips to low 80's over low 50's but his nurse was never too concerned as he wasnt dizzy etc. He's normally around low 100s over low 70's which is more than OK, but they're trying to get it up further by tweaking his meds, so that they can get him on Entresto. What sort of side effects does Midodrine cause? Is it a short term med or long term?

[Vespa10 in reply to Lezzers]

Long term. I do try and keep hydrated. The only time I was monitored when I blacked out it was 68/34. Normally it’s around 105/55.

[Lezzers in reply to Vespa10]

Wow, that was low. Why don't you call the BHF nurses on this site for advice, they're very good and may be able to point you in the right direction. Hope you can get sorted soon l

[Vespa10 in reply to Lezzers]

Thank you. I have spoken to the BHf and arrhythmia alliance. Them and my GP recommended seeing an EP but the cardiologist is adamant raising my BP will solve all my symptoms. We will see.

[Lezzers in reply to Vespa10]

Can't your GP refer you to an EP? If you're not happy with your cardiologist you do have the right to be referred to another one.

[Vespa10 in reply to Lezzers]

I have a 3 month follow,up so am going to try and tolerate the meds for 3 months and see how I feel. If I’m not convinced things are better I will ask for a second opinion from an EP.

[Vespa10]

Ok so do you think the low BP diagnosis is rubbish? Also having a lot of PVC’s. seems odd that my blackouts are so random. 3 in a year if my BP is consistently low? What makes it suddenly decide to drop into my boots?