Chiari AND Cardiac Issues?

[ChandlerChick]

Hi everybody!

Newbie here....I started having syncope (passing out ) spells and my Dr. found I had bradycardia and severe irregularity with my heart.  Sent me for full blood work up and, just to be safe, a MRI.  Next day, I found out I have Chiari.  Dr. thinks my cardiac problems are a direct reflection from my Chiari.  As I wait for referrals/insurance authorizations for a great Neurologist...a whole other story.....I saw a cardiologist.  He admits to not being a neurologist, but thinks my problems are a vasovagal issue.  I will be doing all sorts of cardio tests....echo, stress test, halter monitoring and a tilt table test.  

Has anyone had their Chiari affect them this way?  Passing out, slow heart rate...50 BPM average?  My worst fear is having the decompression surgery and STILL have these problems.

Besides the syncope and heart issues, I also have the feeling like I am about to seize....a very strange and awful feeling .. tingling, breathlessness, tiredness, hard time finding words sometimes, numbness, dizzy, insomnia, shaky....

So the question is, is my Chiari causing these heart problems?  Thank you so much for reading, I really would appreciate any input/help!

Thanks everybody!!

[poosygirl]

Hi ChandlerChick,

I am having possible heart issues. My pulse has always been way too low for a sedentary non-athlete, also in the low 50's. My BP right now is too high in the systolic, but in the 50's to low 60's diastolic which can be not a good sign when there is such a difference. My doctor ordered a stress test due to my dizziness and it had to be stopped after 2 minutes due to severe hypertension and abnormal SD depressions. So now I have to go for a MIBI test. But my echochardiogram showed my heart was healthy so I would be very surprised if this is due to CAD. My diet has been very healthy which makes me think it is also the chiari.

I've only fainted once, but often feel like I will, especially when I have a "hotflash" which I also think is the chiari and dysautonomia since I had them well before menopause in my twenties and they are only getting worse in my sixties. My heart pounds.

I also often have a problem getting to sleep because my heart pounds in my head. And I do have that feeling like I am about to have a seizure. I am itching and burning all over when it happens. One of my doctor's responses to telling her I thought I was going to have a seizure - "I wouldn't tell anyone that if I were you."

So you are not alone. It could very well be chiari.

[selmaS]

  I am glad you got a few answers and info that may be helpful.....

When I had my drop attacks....I heard my daughter talking to me and I swore I answered her.....but she said I hadn't so not sure what was going on in my mind.....it is very scary and I was "out" for sometime too.....when I finally did move, I got very nauseated.....

If there is anything I can help you with just let me know <3

[ChandlerChick]

Thank you so much Selma, it is so confronting to know I'm not alone!  I am sure I will pass all of the cardio tests no prob.

Drop attacks make total sense....I think I've had a few of those!  But definitely have been passing out cold as well.....I've been out for about a minute every time.  

I am so glad to have found this support forum, I feel so at home! ;). So glad to learn about CSF blockages and symptoms, I almost cried with relief of being validated!

[selmaS]

  I forgot yo mention, many with Chiari have what Drs refer to as Drop attacks...it may appear to those around you, that you passed out, but it is a momentary CSF obstruction and it is similar to flipping a switch off and flipping it right back on....only it is not quick enuff to stop the effects of the off switch....so signals do not get thru and we can not control our muscles...we fall, we can not reach out to try and stop the fall, we can not call out for help, BUT we are aware we are falling.

Some can also have bouts of passing out due to other issues...but drop attacks are something to be aware of since you have had synscope.

[selmaS]

  Hi ChandlerChick and welcome to the Chiari forum.

YES !!  Many have had very similar issues.....I had a cardio work up as well as I had palps and a very low BP....

Keep in mind since Chiari affects the spinal cord and brain stem ALL bodily functions can be affected as well.

We do have other related conditions we have to be mindful of and testing to rule out so make sure you find a true Chiari specialist that will look into ALL related and non related conditions to make sure they know everything going on with you.