Scared to Death of heart situation

[Bob Sacamano]

I recently had something happen to me at work that has never happened to me before.  I was at work sitting down at my computer when very rapidly I kind of blanked out, though conscious my whole body got this feeling that my electrical system in my body was out of whack.  This lead to a light headed feeling, which was followed by a feeling that I would faint.  I stopped with all my computer work and stared at my colleagues computer for a couple minutes, finally alerting her that I need help.  I tried to get up out of my seat but couldn't move.  EMS was called and when they got there and took my blood pressure it had dropped to I believe 100 over 60 something like that.  After EMS arrived I was sweating, my hands were tingling, I was flushed, and my hands were cold and clammy.  It seems like this electrical feeling that I got led to some fluttering heart problems, soon after.  I got the full blood work, ekg, x-ray's and they showed nothing wrong.   Does this electrical out of whack feeling happen to you just before experiencing these flutters.  At the time it felt like I had to go to the bathroom and when I got to the emergency room I felt somewhat better after taking a major bowel movement.  I believe that what I experienced maybe related possibly to a gastrointestinal problem, though not sure.  By the way I'm a 40 year old male who lives a rather sedentary lifestyle and probably should eat better.  Thanks for any advice you may be able to help me with.

[kitcurious]

Both the endocrinologist and the GI doctor sound good to pursue, and I have concur about changing your diet and getting exercise. Snack cakes and pretzels on a daily basis is enough to make anyone's body rebel and exercise reduces stress that kinda builds up in everyone (whether they notice it consciously or not, it's not necessarily situationally driven).

You may want to bring in some better quality food to "graze" on during the day. People could bring in some real, whole grain breads, cereal or instant oatmeal instead of Hostess...which is gonna cause a surge and then a crash.

Most offices have microwaves and fridges, so it's easy to prepare if you leave some good food in the area set aside for the microwave and fridge. Nuts are good and many of the healthier grocers sell little handy snacks with veggies and dip or just popcorn. Even cereal/nutrition bars at least have some vitamins and minerals "sprayed" on with the chocolate(though sometimes a lot of sugar, check the label). A ziploc bag full of cheerios is convenient. If you tend to snack a lot, you can plan out your snacks the night before and take them with you to work.

I, too, have been guilty of unloading my excess junk food from home by dumping tins of cookies or leftover cupcakes in front of the coffee pot at work for my coworkers to take care of for me. Stopped doing that. Not fair to them  :-)

There is a free fit website that allows you to track what you eat everyday and it breaks it down nutritionally for you. It can be a real eye- opener.

I hope all your tests come back fine.

Good luck!

[Bob Sacamano]

I've noticed in two of the instances that I got this electrical shock feeling that I had eaten a few pretzels few hours before the feeling.  That morning that I went to the ER I had some small Hostess muffins and some pretzels.  Yesterday, I had a few pretzels a few hours before the 10 second reaction occurred.  Both reactions were then followed within an hour of some major bowel movements.  Twice at the ER and twice at my work.  I believe now that when I had the ER day reaction that lead to a full blown panic attack, which sent me into the hospital for alot of tests that proved to seem positive, although throughout my stay in the hospital I had high blood pressure which I link to worry about what is wrong with me.  I have a history of constipation problems, a lack of not being able to urinate immediately which I link to Effexor xr medication.  Any more ideas would be helpful.  I will be wearing a heart monitor next week for 24 hours which will likely show nothing, followed by a blood workup to rule out any electrolyte imbalances, which were fine when I was in the hospital.  I think that I should be seen by a gastroenterologist or an endocrinist.  Does that seem plausible?  Thanks for suggestions  

[Flycaster305]

Bob, I assume your blood sugar ratios were checked.  Did you eat anything between the time that you had the symptoms and the blood tests were administered?  I'm diabetic and I've had those symptoms with low blood sugar episodes. I have had three heart attacks, multiple blockages and more stents than I want to talk about, but your symptoms don't sound like anything I experienced, they sound like a blood sugar issue; keep in mind, I don't know anything.  However, I'd ask about the blood sugar ratios.

I'd suggest getting on a heart-healthy diet, and start exercising.  Exercise will tend to sort these issues out.  Good luck to you, Bob.

[anacyde]

My husband describes a similar issue related to digestive issues, which also feels better after he's used the restroom.  He has this idea that maybe it's blood going to the intestines to help them work, causing the lightheaded sensations.  Of course, it's only a guess.  Interesting.