Strange episodes after bypass

[igixxn2]

I'm a 29 year old male who had 5-way arterial bypass 6 months ago.Both radial arteries and both IMA's were used. I had no symptoms, strong family history with a total cholesterol of 505.

My medications are: Low Dose Aspirin,Plavix,Lipitor (40mg),Zetia

My cholesterol is now 190, LDL 119.I exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes.While exercising I keep my pulse between 135 and 165, no pain.

About 8 weeks ago I began having episodes that are hard to describe.An odd feeling comes over me, usually while at rest, that feels like I may pass out.No dizziness or blurred vision, but something just doesn't feel "right".There's no pain with this.I've found my pulse to be both fast (90) and slow (55) with normal blood pressure (118/80) during these episodes.I've had these while laying down, standing, and sitting.I panic when this happens and I get the feeling of "doom".The only thing that seems to make things better is taking a walk or even excercise.I've never had an episode while being active.The frequency of these may be a few a week or several weeks without one.

My cardiologist doesn't seem concerned calling it vasovagal episodes.Not to worry unless I actually started passing out.

I thought maybe caffeine or sugar was causing this since I can usually relate an episode back to me having something sweet or more cokes than usual, but I can't prove that yet. My ordinary diet is mostly fruit, vegetables, and fish. As far as I know I'm not diabetic.

Got any ideas what may be causing this?

Thanks

[passionblue]

Hi igixxn2,
Found your story most interesting. I am female/42 and had bi-pass surgery just 7 weeks ago. (doing quite well actually)
I know what you are describing. I have never told anyone about it though. I first noticed it a few days after the surgery. I have a theory on what it's about.
I truly believe it is psychological. It happens to me, just as I am relaxed enough to drift into twilight of sleep. It startles me and physically-instantly I am awake with the sensation of not being able to breath. Like I am not sure it happened, but I know something happened. Its something akin to having a dream of falling.
I was so happy to find this forum. I have been feeling a bit like a freak. Today I was at the cardiologists and felt like the fish in a fish bowl. All the sweet old people with heart disease feeling badly for me..I mean I am only 42. This put me at at least 20 years younger than every one there.
My wish for a happy healthy life to you.

[Paule]

Sorry to hear about your problem.  It sounds very similar to a problem I had several years ago two months after I quit tobacco use after a diag of a minor skin cancer occr w/ me and a serious cancer with a spouse. I would be lying down and a strange "cresendo" or rush would move through my body and what seemed to be higher bp, pulse and a feeling of doom. This drove me crazy (literaly) as I would "panic" and symptoms would get worse.  And soon began the doctor shopping...getting my heart checked, my sugars, my this my that.  Obsessed with my chol. counts (very very low) and eventually a doctor hit me over the head and said "you need to talk to someone as this seems to be anxiety/panic."  And it was!  Now given your history I would, if I were you, keep a careful watch on the progression of this feeling but it may very well be anxiety--which wouldn't be too uncommon after what you went through.

I dealt with it by -watching what I ate -excercise, not heavy but light at first as lactic acid is known to cause panic/anxiety -yoga, very very good for you and -massage, treat yourself once-in-a-while to something nice and lastly, -talk therapy...can't hurt.

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

Igixxn2,

Thanks for the post.

Vasovagal episodes could be the cause of these spells, but an arrhythmia could as well.  An easy way to determine definitively the source of the spells would be an event or holter monitor.  PVC, PAC, or afib would all be possible culprits, and are common in patients with coronary artery disease.

As an aside, your cholesterol could be improved.  Your pre-treatment cholesterol level strongly suggests a familial hypercholesterolemia.  I would urge you to see a lipid expert to futher improve your cholesterol control.  Your goal LDL is well below 100.

Hope that helps.