Questions posted in the Heart Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: antiphospholipid antibodies and your heart

Forum: The Heart Forum
Topic: Heart Attack


Thank you so much in advance for your time and effort in answering my question. This is an incredible forum. I have antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. I have had three serious miscarriages, all in the fifth month. However I have also had four wonderful live births. In the last two years I have been experiencing my heart fluttering on so many occasions. At least five times now I have fainted. I just slowly passout after feeling my heart race and feeling as though my chest is filling up. I get short of breath and extremely weak. However, there is no pain associated with this.When this first began to happen, I would just feel my heart race then slow down. Now it hits me less often, but a lot harder. And that's when I faint. I never know when this will occur. Twice now it has happened while I've been driving. I know now to pull over immediately. If you have any thoughts on this I sure would appreciate any feedback. Thank you so vey much.

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Dear michele,

Topic Area: Heart Attack

There is no known connection between antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and heart palpitations that I am aware of. I suppose it could be possible you are having small blood clots develop and travel to your brain which could cause you to pass out. Are you taking any blood thinners such as coumadin? In any case I would see your doctor about these spells.

I hope you find this information useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only. Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.

If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.




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