Syncope, arm numbness, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, normal BP

[PrayingForAnswers]

As my ID indicates, I am at wits end with researching my wife's condition.  I pray that a fresh pair of eyes sees this post and can offer us some insight.

Background:

My wife, caucasian, 27, was admitted to the hospital in March 2003 after fainting while sitting with me on the couch (watching TV).  Her BP was a bit high for her.  She had many tests:  EP study, EKG, chest MRI, Stress Echo.  Everything "normal". She failed the tilt-table.  Diagnosis:  Neuro cardiogenic syncope.  Treatment:  Celexa, 20mg daily.  NO pacemaker implanted.

NOTE:  This does not seem to be stress related.  Also, this happens when sitting, standing and lying down.

Back in the hospital a few weeks later.  Added 10mg Celexa and Florinef (spelling?) to raise BP.

Symptoms:

She sporadically has "episodes" where she gets VERY dizzy, has chest pain (described as "cramping"), varying pulse, shortness of breath, fainting (not always), nausea, feeling of coldness, tingling in all four limbs, and just recently - lasting numbness in her left arm.

We were back to the hospital again last weekend due to the numbness and another fainting spell.  Neurologist ran CAT Scan and head MRI (both normal).  Heart doc dismissed all symptoms as "normal".

We are currently seeing a herbal doc that has her on mega doses of C, E, B-100, Magnesium, Omega-3, calcium and a daily multi.

This illness has not been terribly debilitating.  However, she cannot drive (passes out) and she has been increasingly having more severe "episodes".  I CANNOT STAND PEOPLE TELLING US THIS IS NORMAL!  Thanks for your help!!!

[cardinals]

I have recently, about two months had the same symptoms - started with shortness of breath - racing pulse rate - 106 - normal for me is 60-75, numbness on left side, now numbness in boths legs and arms, dizzyness, nausiated 24-7, warm sensation from chest up down to my hands in neck and face (feels like a sunburn, but is not one), heart hurting, first sign of racing heart, and dizzy was getting out of tub (jacuzzi tub), all symptoms have gotten more frequent - all symptoms - been to pulmonary doctor ran ultrasound of legs for blood clots, ct of chest, chest xray, all normal - seeing cardiologist - EKG, Stress Test, Echocardiogram, bloodwork 3-times, looking for something - all normal only abnormality is DOPPLER Test - Carodic Arteries are mildly blocked, put on TOPROL - has helped with the racing of the heart, but that is all.  Wearing a heart monitor called - event monitor now. SYMPTOMS HAPPEN ANYTIME OF DAY OR NIGHT - WHILE SITTING ON COUCH OR LYING DOWN, WALKING, TALKING, have noticed that being active brings it on quicker - I am a high school fast-pitch coach and very active (athletic) person.  Can not do anything active because I feel like I want to pass out.  See squigly lines, blue dots, static.  Next Dr. is an Endocrineologist - hormone dr.  have not gone to neurologist yet.  No Diagnosis, but same symptoms.  Let me know if you get any answers............................  

[ruadhbeg]

Have you guys also looked at heart valves?  Sometimes, if there is a heart valve issue, everyone of those symptoms is completely plausible.  The reason I say that is that I have run this gammet before.  I'm 28, have already undergone open heart.  While the herbal remedies can help with blood pressure where the magnesium does that, and the vitamin e is a natural type blood thinner she might really work well with the Toprol.  Dr. Bajzer at Cleveland Clinic Cardiology is very good.  I have read his work in the cardiac journals, and he specializes in coronary intervention and cardiac issues.  The tilt table test doesn't sound grueling but is, and there might be some other studies that he might be able to do that haven't been mentioned that give you an idea of how to pursue it.  good luck.  Liz

[mmfd]

Ummm, I think a pacemaker is a bit extreme, yes, when the diagnosis is not from an arrhythmia.  All her cardiac tests were normal he said, and he didn't mention severe heart block or something like that that would warrant a pacemaker.  Vasosagal syncope does not warrant a pacemaker unless her heart rate is dangerously low and he didn't state that, and that's why I asked if she had ever had a Holter on during an episode!  OBVIOUSLY there is something wrong and he should seek out other opinions.  Give me a break.

[CollegeGirl143]

the cleveland clinic is known for being the best of the best when it comes to cardiology and heart health.. They are on the forefront of medicine.. Mayo is also another great clinic.. If you are still in search of answers, these are your best options..

[PrayingForAnswers]

Thanks to all for the comments - I didn't mean to cause a stink among board members.  Let me first say that by NO MEANS am I taking what is said on this board as medical fact or diagnosis.  Rather, I am just looking for new directions to pursue.  We certainly will run any new ideas through our primary care doc before trying them.

We are truely blessed with outstanding, so I am happy to suggest any additional testing and/or alternative means of treatment.  The popular opinion among "specialists" currently is that this condition is "in her head" which I think is a bunch of garbage.  Normal people don't just faint (or nearly faint) with a numb arm every few days.

Anyway, I am happy to answer any questions that any interested parties care to ask.  As for this pacemaker business, she was told she had a high AV block.  This is why they did the EP study.  The study was normal and the pacemaker idea was dismissed.  I am just curious if this was a premature decision.

Without divulging too much personal information, does anyone out there know of a good heart doctor in Central Ohio?  We are happy to get second, third and fourth opinions!  I know this is going to sound COMPLETELY corny, but being a fan of "House", are there doctors out there that are full-time diagnosticians that take the time to look at the entire picture?  Any of these in Centeral Ohio?  Would this be like at a Cleveland Clinc/Mayo Clinic?

Anain, let me stress that I am not taking any ideas on this forum as medical advice.  I am nothing more than a curious and very concerned hasband that is in need of some help in finding a new direction in our search for a cure.  I cannot tell you how much I apprecaite everyone's thoughts, comments and prayers.  Have a Blessed day!

[CollegeGirl143]

pacemaker would be warrented if she was experiencing some kind of bradycardia, but since all testing is normal, a pacemaker will not help whatsoever..

Its a common misconception that a pacemaker will "fix" several problems.. It will do nothing for a patient with a normal heart rate, or tachycardia, so in this case, assuming her heart rate is normal durin episodes, a pacemaker would be futile