Should I see a doctor?

I'm a 44 year old male. About 16 months ago, while training for a marathon, I became dizzy, disoriented and nauseous during a run. I nearly passed out. These symptoms repeated two weeks later during a run on a much cooler day. While on a trip to Europe, Sept. 20000, I was overcome with fatigue/sickness on several days and was unable to leave hotel room. On occasion, I would feel extremely fatigued while running (usually at 1 to 2 mile mark). I went to the ER, with tingling in hands,feet and head. Since then, I've had many tests: blood, echo, stress, holter, EKGs, brain MRI, spinal tap, ear/hearing, ending in April of 2001. All tests were normal. Since then, my symptoms have moderated.

Last Saturday, I got up from watching a movie at home to get a drink of water. Two minutes later, I started to feel extremely nauseous, lightheaded, short of breath, sweating, clammy, and nearly passed out. These symptoms lasted about 10-15 minutes. Since then, I've felt slightly lightheaded/brain fogged, and ocasionally short of breath. I also feel like my heart is skipping beats (while taking my pulse, I feel like beats are missing/then stronger). My heart rate, normally in the mid 50s, has been 5-10 beats lower (with a low of 40 bpm) day after my "event." I did run yesterday (4 miles) and felt reasonably well.

Should I be seeing a doctor?

Thanks,

EKmann

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear ekmann,
It is possible you are having 'vasovagal episodes' or 'neurocardiogenic syncope'.  These are generally benign events that are common in well trained individuals.  I would recommend seeing a doctor and asking about getting a 'tilt table test'.  This test would confirm the diagnosis or if it were negative lead doctors to look for other causes of your symptoms.