Re: Heart Problem?

Posted By CCF Cardio MD-SGM on March 01, 1998 at 16:28:10:

In Reply to: Heart Problem? posted by H.C. on February 11, 1998 at 23:59:02:







: I'm a 28 y/o inactive female. A heavy smoker and I'm under on-going major stress. My weight is 147 and I'm 5'8" tall.
My blood pressure ranges from 85/50 to 102/70. My pulse rate from 49 to 70. I stay cold most of the time, expecially
my feet and hands and I'm tired almost all the time. I have dizzy spells while sitting, getting up, and even standing
to the point that I almost black out. I'm having almost constant headaches from the time I get up in the morning and
problems with my vision and memory. I've had a Treadmill Stess Test done, a blood tests for diabetes and thyroid problems,
and all came back okay. My immediate family history(father, mother,siblings) includes: Brain tumors, high blood pressure,
diabetes, & cancer. One sibling had light heartattack at age 36. Another sibling is a Reverse diabetic.
Don't know if its related, but my bp use to range from 110/70 to 120/70 until I suffered a head injury almost 2 yrs. ago.
I never sought treatment for the injury even though I was unconscious for about 4 hours. Now, if my bp goes above 115 I
start exhibiting symptoms of high blood pressure. The Dr. does not know what is causing my problems and has only told me
to be thankful that I have a low blood pressure. I have not had any other tests done except for what is listed above.
Could any of this be related? Could I have a heart problem that the Dr. can't see? or Is there any specific tests which
I should have done as a precautionary measure?
I would appreciate any info.



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Dear H.C.,
There is nothing concerning about the blood pressure or heart rate numbers you've mentioned. However, the dizzy spells and near blacking-out that you note-- especially when standing up-- are troubling.  Lowish blood pressure can cause these types of symptoms, as can irregular heart beats, but I doubt that you have serious heart disease as an explanation.  Some people experience light-headedness upon standing due to an imbalance in the regulatory mechanisms that the body uses to keep the blood pressure in an adequate range.  People with such an imbalance may be unable to compensate enough for the forces of gravity,  experience excessive pooling of blood in the legs and lower body when standing, and thus can pass out in certain circumstances.  One test which might be helpful in determing whether your dizzy symptoms are due to such a syndrome (known as neuro-cardiogenic syncope)   is a "tilt table test".   You may wish to discuss this with your physician.
Information provided in the Heart Forum is for general purposes only.  Specific diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by a physician personally involved in your care.