Hi Doctor,
When I was 19 years old, I had 3 'black outs'; the third one required CPR to revive me. I spent a month in hospital, where I under went numerous cardiac investigations. My Cardiologist considered inserting a Pacemaker, but after discussing my case history with his collegues, he concluded not to taking my age into consideration. Wolf Parkinson White Syndrom was also suspected, but wasn't officially confirmed. He prescribed 'Inderal' to treat the severe arrythmia I was experiencing and said that if I have another heart block, that a pacemaker would have to be inserted. I attended annual reviews for 2 years after that, but then ceased to attend them (due to youthful innocence/ignorance).
Intermittingly, I've since experienced dizziness and heart palpitations but never told anyone (for fear it would result in a Pacemaker being inserted which I considered for 'an old persons problem' and not mine). I've just turned 33 years old. Late last summer I experienced particularly severe palpitations and two episodes of dizziness (where I felt I was on the verge of a 'black-out' but didn't as I laid down and waited for my heart to 'calm' down). Since then, I experienced night sweats for a period of 6 weeks, cronic heart palpitations, throbbing pulse in my neck (which is very visual), permenant tiredness and breathlessness with little exersion. I attended my General Physician, who instantly referred me to hospital for a full medical assessment. During which a heart trace was carried out, which diagnosed me with A. Fib. On the basis of which, I had a 24 hour Holter Monitor fitted. I await the results from same. My Mum had a Mitral Valve replacement and wonder if there's a risk I too have a problematic heart valve from the symptoms I've experienced, or do you think if the heart problems I'm experiencing now are related to the heart problems I've had before (i.e. heart block ?WWP). Is it possible my symptoms could be isolated to the previous cardiac problems I've had and could be retified with heart meds or a Cardioversion, or do you think it's all related to my previous history. Can you please shed any light as to what my over-all symptoms may be clinical indicators of. I'd really appreciate your opinion regarding the above, while I anxiously await results of my Holter Monitor.
Thank you so much for the time you've taken to read my query and enormous thank you in anticipation.
D