Syncope

[GranofH]

Hi following on from my previous thread about passing out it happened again 2 weeks ago. This time it felt a bit different as I was very confused beforehand, although I was in my bedroom I didn't know where I was or how to get out, I fumbled around for a while and even walked into the wardrobe and was in a bit of a panic, then I felt like I was falling down a black hole. The next thing I knew I was on the floor with a sore wrist and grazed elbow, the bruising came up the next day.I made an appointment with the GP (new surgery) and got it drummed into me that if it happens again I must phone 999. He also sent me for a 24 hour ECG which I returned to the hospital this morning, my previous medication Ramipril was stopped after the first faint and I was put on Amlodipine, my BP is consistently good on this.

A tip for anyone wearing a holster monitor is to wear a bra top (even men could) , it kept all the wires neatly tucked away and stopped me from accidentally knocking the plugs out 😊

[Hidden]

I hope someone has also discussed the small but important possibility of something going on in your brain - it could be a cardiovascular problem affecting your brain, but there's also the possibility of other diagnoses such as seizure or tumour. Unless you have an obvious cause such as big postural drops in blood pressure or an abnormal rhythm on your ECG, it may also be worthwhile having brain CT scan, repeat echocardiogram, check carotid arteries, etc. Certainly don't stop follow up until you know for sure what is causing these. Hope it's something straightforward to deal with.

[GranofH in reply to Hidden]

After the first collapse I had a CT scan in the hospital and it was all clear thankfully. My GP is new to me and he seems like a rarity, he really listened to me and went through my history, he also said the ECG was just the start of the process and he will keep looking until we find out what is causing the collapses. I feel really lucky to have him.

[Hidden in reply to GranofH]

That is very reassuring to hear. Regards to your GP. All the very best to you

[Murderfan58]

When I attended the AF clinic first thing they did was take me off Amlodipine as it causes swelling in legs and ankles. I was already on Ramipril. I have PAF on Flecainide and Apixaban plus born with small hole in the side of my heart found this out 2020/2021. Had heart MRI in 2021 the connections between the chambers of my heart are intact and strong heart function. It's safer to leave the hole as it is as long as I don't get chest pain which I don't . Do get breathless at times but just take deep breaths and it's evens out . Get the occasional heart flutter and heart races but I just relax and it's over in few minutes . I miss heart beats which I can hear in my left ear thanks to having jaundice in 2017 left me hearing my heart beats all day . Only time I don't is went asleep but as soon as I wake thump, thump but if I suddenly stopped hearing it I would think I was dieing 😁.

[GranofH in reply to Murderfan58]

Gosh it sounds like you have had a bit of a journey too,it's good to hear about the MRI results though, I'll bet that gave you some peace of mind. I don't seem to have any side effects from the Amlodipine but I was warned about the swelling in the ankles and legs, I know it's still early days as I've only been on it since July when after the first collapse they changed from Ramipril to this.

[Murderfan58 in reply to GranofH]

It did thank you. But I am the sort of person who doesn't worry about things out of my control. To many things in my life have been out of control but I just learn to live with them . I can't live my life with if onlies or what ifs . Life is to short . We have to make the best of everyday. The past has gone it's the present and future we have now . 😊

[GranofH in reply to Murderfan58]

That's a great way to be, I take my hat off to you 😊

[SAMARJIT]

Ramipril could have caused postural hypotension and the symptoms do sound like a faint. Anyway you are now off Ramipril. If you pass out or feel light headed and unsteady it is important to seek medical advice so that the cause can be ascertained. Regards.

[GranofH in reply to SAMARJIT]

Thanks, I am off Ramipril now but had the second faint on Amlodipine, I will definitely ring 999 if it happens again though, it's quite scarey.

[AuntyEdna]

Amlodipine on this BP med - my husband, father in law mother in law and stepfather in law - all experience different levels of unsteadiness disorientation and faint episodes - put one of them in hospital, my husband was smart enough to push to get it changed to another BP med at the Drs. It seems to be a cheap ‘go to ‘ med for high BP

However it may not be the cause of your problems but makes you think ! Good luck and keep safe

[GranofH in reply to AuntyEdna]

Thanks for letting me know about the effect Amlodipine has on your family, it's quite scarey. So can all BP med do this as it happened to me on 2 occasions on 2 different medications. Does the new Meds for your husband work better for him, have his symptoms stopped? It's very worrying if it is the medication causing me to blackout....

[AuntyEdna]

Drs changed him to Lercanidipine and his symptoms disappeared over night and his BP has now stabilised so it looks like Amlodipine didn’t suit him. Unfortunately we can’t persuade his elderly parents to question their meds, they are the age where Dr knows best.

We all know our own bodies and what works for one won’t for someone else. I hope you get some answers for yours . Wishing you lots of luck 😌

[GranofH]

That's really interesting and something to keep in mind, I hope all I need is another change of Meds.

[GranofH]

Update... My GP has just text me and said the ECG results are satisfactory, whatever that means, I'm back to see him in 2 weeks to book further investigations and will request a tilt table test, hoping I'll get answers soon