First visit to cardiologist for dizziness due to CKD stage 3b no proteinuria

[Vprp]

My 77 year old husband in stage 3 b, no proteinuria has had  dizzy spells and some nausea again 3 months after the first one. Both lasted about a minute. This time I took him to the PCP. EKG was performed and showed T wave inversion. Blood pressure was 105/62. She has asked him to stop Linosopril which he has been taking for a few years now and has referred to a cardiologist. My husband has never seen a cardiologist. Any advice, suggestions during first visit with the cardiologist is appreciated

[Darlenia]

We are in our 70s too. There really isn't anything you or your hubby need to do for your first visit to a cardiologist. Our cardiologist simply looked through his records, asked a lot of questions, and did the usual protocols - blood pressure, weight, ekg, etc. Depending on what he hears from you and learns from his own tests will determine next steps. Based on the information you provided, his blood pressure seems to be low to me. There are ways to increase blood pressure which, in all likelihood, will take care of the dizzy spells. It really is good that he's seeing a cardiologist. It's probably also a good idea to discuss the situation or share the outcome with his nephrologist. Those dizzy spells can lead to falls and more. Hope you have a great outcome!

[Vprp in reply to Darlenia]

Thanks Darlenia for your reassuring response. When I took him to urgent care after his dizzy spell, they did and EKG and he has sinus bradycardia ( he did not have). He has never had any cardio issues all these years ( diabetes related CKD), hence my concern. Shall listen to cardiologist and in the meantime, I am hav8mg him record any dizziness, pressure difference so that the cardiologist has all pertinent info. He is on thyroid supplement and his TSH appears to be normal. Thanks for your feedback, it helps to listen to patients perspective often rather than physicians verdict.

[Darlenia in reply to Vprp]

My hubby has diabetes too - it's what impacted his kidneys. Although I worry about him, I try to stay positive. I'd love to keep him in my life for several more years...! So far, so good!

[Vprp in reply to Darlenia]

Is your hubby stage 3b with no cardiac issues? If so, is he on thyroid supplement due to hypothyroidism? My husband’s BP turned on the lower side after he started thyroid supplement. Thanks Darlenia.

[Darlenia in reply to Vprp]

In my very non-professional opinion, your hubby seems to be doing reasonably well at his age. Sadly, my hubby lost his kidneys from diabetes at around age 70 and went on dialysis. He worked very hard at that time to get off all diabetes meds and succeeded in doing so while on dialysis. Then, during the process to get a kidney transplant, his transplant center wanted him to get a heart scan. That scan found a blockage which was immediately stented. After that was done, he received a deceased donor transplant exactly one year after starting dialysis at age 71. My hubby has always had high blood pressure so he's always on meds for that and cholesterol. Oddly, my blood pressure is low; I have to be careful to get enough sodium according to my labs. However, in your hubby's case, it may well be that his thyroid med is responsible since that hormone regulates many things. You may appreciate going with your hubby to the cardiologist to bring up that subject and also to keep notes if needed. There's nothing worse than being kept in the dark as a caregiver. We need to sleep peacefully at night.

[Vprp in reply to Darlenia]

So so sorry, Darlene. You are indeed an inspiration.

I have been actively involved in his care including doctors visits, follow up, keeping all the nephrologist, primary, etc “ in the loop”. I am finding strength from patients like yourself. Thank you, thank you!! Sending healing thoughts…..