Over dosed on Lanoxin

Previously posted 40 y/o female with history of CHF, atrial Fib,
diabetes, stroke.   Last Thursday morning  I woke up with intermittent chest pain, nausea, fatigue.   Upon arrival at hospital I was told I was dehydrated and the lanoxin was too high
and was causing the symptoms.   After 2 days I was re-hydrated and released when lanoxin levels started falling.  How can one
tell the difference between a REALLY serious chest pain (with nausea and exhaustion) from something like what I was admitted with?   And how can a person who only walks from the car to the house and drinks 2 quarts of water a day get dehydrated?  Is it a result of my multiple health problems? Thanks, Lisa

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

Dear Lisa

When you have serious symptoms such as you describe, it is always appropriate to seek medical help. You cannot yourself differentiate what is causing the symptoms. Anyway, too much Lanoxin can be a serious problem also and can require treatment.

I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.

Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. 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.