PLEASE HELP

A WEEK AGO YESTERDAY WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF A CONVERSATION I SUDDENLY ALMOST PASSED OUT. IT CAME ON ME WITHOUT ANY WARNING. I GOT VERY DIZZY AND HAD TO HOLD ON TO THE DESK SO I DID'NT FALL. I COULD FEEL ME HEART RACING AND FOR THE NEXT HOUR I JUST SAT THERE FEELING VERY QUEESY. I FINISHED MY SHIFT AND WENT HOME AND HAVE NOT GONE BACK TO WORK SINCE. I STILL FEEL VERY LIGHTHEADED AND NAUSAUS, I HAVE NOT VOMITTED, I WENT TO A GP AND HE TOOK BLOOD WORK BUT CANT FIND ANYTHING.  THE NIGHT BEFORE THE ATTACK I WALKED 4 MILES VERY BRISKLY INTO A HEAVY COLD WIND ( DONT KNOW IF THIS MATTERS OR NOT ) I AM 54 YRS OLD AND HAVE BEEN WALKING 3-5 MILES 5 NIGHTS A WEEK FOR 2 MONTHS NOW. I WEAR A 15 LB WEIGHT VEST WHEN WALKING. ANY WHELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

Syncope and near syncope is a very difficult work up.  When I see patients for syncope, it often takes a long time discussing the circumstances, medications, previous events, past medical history etc.  Despite that, nearly 1/2 of cases of syncope or near syncope goes without clear reasons.  In my office the work up typically consists of history and physical exam, EKG, and possible an echo and/or stress test.  Further tests may be indicated depending the situation.  You may need to meet with a specialist.  It sounds like at the very least this significantly affected you psychologically to the point where you are afraid to go back to work.  This is common and sometimes points to anxiety as a contributor.  You should express the degree of concern and how it  has affected your life to your doctor.  Unless you say this explicitly, sometimes we don't know how much this is affected quality of life.

I hope this helps.