Severe dizziness and spaced out feeling

[IanR03]

Following from my heart attack in March 2019 i have been suffering from constant dizziness and spaced out feeling. I have seen every specialist from Cardiology to ENT who all say that they can’t find anything. It has completely consumed my life and I don’t know how to help this dizziness. I would greatly appreciate to hear from anyone that has been struggling with this post heart attack and how you have managed to help these symptoms.

[Tos92]

Hi  IanR03

I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling post heart attack.

Have you taken blood pressure readings during these episodes? Low blood pressure can cause dizzy spells.

Also, if you’re on medication, this can also play a part in feeling dizzy or drowsy.

All the best.

Tos

[IanR03 in reply to Tos92]

hi Tos

Yes I take my blood pressure every week and its ok .

Regarding my medication they have tweeked and changed but that doesn’t help.

[Tos92 in reply to IanR03]

Just a thought. Would it be worth pursuing the neurological route? Perhaps it’s a discussion you can have with your GP.

I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help.

[IanR03 in reply to Tos92]

hi Tos

Already being down the neurological route but couldn’t find anything.

[Blearyeyed in reply to IanR03]

Is there anything in particular that triggers the dizziness , like exercise, changing position from sitting to standing or bending down, after eating , lying down for the night?Or is it constant no matter what you do?

When you take your blood pressure during a dizzy spell do you also notice if the heart rate is very high or very low?

Have they also done blood tests that would rule out other problems that cause dizziness like Anaemia ( Iron/ Ferritin/ full blood count), Diabetes, Kidney function tests for salt imbalance, Vitamin B 12 , Folates ( which are two Deficiency issues that can cause dizziness and more heart related symptoms), Vitamin D and Magnesium?

You can request these from the GP if you haven't had them yet or recently ( in the last 3-6months).

Have you been assessed for Vascular or Vestibular Migraines by the Neurologist or had your ears checked for Vertigo/ BPPV?

Vestibular Migraines can cause loss of balance , vertigo, loss of coordination, feelings of vertigo and increased palpitations, dizziness or fainting, often without you having head pain or a head ache.

All of these are issues that can cause dizziness and increased feelings of chest pain and palpitations that can sometimes be overlooked and feelings of being spaced out or brain fog.

Hope you find the answer soon, bee

[IanR03 in reply to Blearyeyed]

Blood pressure doesn’t change upon movement.

I think the Vestibular Migraines is the next path i am going to try with my GP as this sounds exactly like what i am suffering.

Thank you for your help

[Honeybee1961]

I’m sorry to hear that you are suffering with these symptoms IanR03, I experience similar ones since my heart attack three years ago. Mine seem to be partly due to low blood pressure caused. medications, which I am still in the process of having tweaked (latest is to try a different beta blocker). I never did have high blood pressure, so balancing these drugs is difficult it seems. But I also find that low blood sugar if I delay eating, or dehydration due to not drinking enough water, also exacerbate these symptoms. I hope you can find a solution, I can appreciate how debilitating these symptoms can be.

[Maisie2014]

I agree with Tos92. It took ages for the tweaking of my meds. Just a thought though: I have balance issues that I’ve had for some years because of a viral infection that damages my inner ear. After lots of tests I was diagnosed with vestibular neuritis. Also there is another inner ear problem that can cause dizziness (I can’t remember the name) which needs manipulation to put right. Ask your GP.

[IanR03 in reply to Maisie2014]

hi maisie

Thanks for the reply will do

[Blearyeyed in reply to Maisie2014]

Are you thinking of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo ( BPPV) ? That's what I was wondering as an option too

[fishonabike in reply to Maisie2014]

?Labyrinthitis?

[Dogloverxthree]

ear crystals can cause this there is a special manoeuvre that is performed which I had can’t remember what is called but you can see it on U Tube

[Blueflags]

Hi IanR03,

I notice the group have given you quite a lot of good advice to follow. I agree with BlearyEyed that it could be BPPV. I’ve had this for years and it’s very unpleasant when you have an attack, As Dogloverxthree says the crystals move in the inner ear and need re-positioning, the procedure is called the Epley manoeuvre, (check with GP to confirm the condition first) it only takes a few minutes to resolve the issue, This may be worth investigating.

[Dogloverxthree in reply to Blueflags]

yes that’s the name I forgot !!!know so many people that have had this done including myself

[Heartfairy]

Hello IanR03. Sorry to hear about your dizziness. I too have recently been feeling this, mainly when crouched down gardening and getting up quickly or simply turning my head when watching TV. I visited the GP who reduced my Rampiral as he said my heart rate was too low (ranges from 52-63) and he said the heat, dehydration or the fact that I am exercising more means I don’t have to rely on a higher dose of the tablet. Perhaps it’s your medication if you’ve made several changes which have strengthened your heart but definitely persevere with medics until you find out what’s causing it and diarise days and times and activity etc of when you get it. Take note of your heart rate and then the docs can see from your records if there are any patterns. Good luck, I hope you get to the bottom of it. ❤️🧚🏼‍♀️

[IanR03]

Thank you all for your replies. I will be making an appointment with my GP to discuss some of your suggestions. Will certainly be asking for blood tests and looking down the Vestibular Migraine route.

[momander]

HiI'm so sorry you are experiencing this. Obvious first thoughts are blood pressure but I'm sure this has been tested. I hope they find out what's wring and get things sorted for you.

[Cavalierrubie]

l am not a medic but it could be stress combined with your body adapting to drugs and of course healing. I hope In time you will stabalise on your regime. It does take time. Medications have side effects so you have to find the correct ones and dosage to suit you. Sometimes it’s trial and error. Hope you soon feel better.