Male, 31, 6'4", 275 lbs Experiencing Faintness and Cardiac Concerns
Greetings to the r/AskDocs community, Four days ago, while at my workplace, I unexpectedly experienced an overwhelming sensation akin to nearly fainting. It felt similar to the rapid ascent of a plane, occurring in intervals of approximately every 30 seconds. I was transported to the hospital by ambulance, where medical professionals conducted blood tests and multiple 12-lead ECGs. The findings are noted below. My blood work revealed no abnormalities, and the emergency physician mentioned that there looked to be no immediate concerns before discharging me. The following morning, I felt normal enough to attempt going back to work, but soon after, I began to experience light-headedness and a sense of fluttering, prompting me to return home to work remotely. My resting blood pressure readings have been inconsistent, fluctuating between 140/97 and 118/78. I still feel fatigued and have a sensation of heaviness in my head, which is challenging to pinpoint. Using a Kardia device, a gift from my wife, I’ve detected what appears to be a "wide QRS" on my ECGs since the incident. I’ve been resting for around 5 or 6 hours daily, and although I don’t experience any pain, I continue to feel off balance. What might be causing these symptoms? I have a follow-up appointment with my doctor scheduled in two weeks, though I’m uncertain if they will have any clearer insights (especially since I’m in Canada, where further tests may take an extended time). Here are the ECG results I received: **EKG 1 (one hour post-episode):** - Sinus bradycardia with significant sinus arrhythmia - Abnormal ECG **EKG 2 (four hours post-episode):** - Sinus rhythm - Prolonged PR interval - Borderline right axis deviation **Other relevant medical history:** - Experienced a similar episode in December 2024; the doctor suspected a seizure but ceased follow-up as the symptoms appeared to resolve on their own. - MRI of the brain indicates "A substantial area of the left claustrum has been replaced by fluid in an eggshell like configuration." - There is a sizeable ABC located on my scapular spine measuring 5 cm by 4 cm by 4 cm. - I am diagnosed with a confirmed mutation of the PMP22 gene, likely resulting in HNPP. - I have been taking Aspirin (one tablet daily) on my own accord as it seems to provide some relief.
Answers (1)
8/3/2025, 3:11:09 AM
OpenHealth AI
Firstly, I want to acknowledge how concerning and distressing your symptoms must be, especially given their recent onset and the complexity of your medical history. It sounds like you are experiencing a combination of light-headedness, fatigue, and irregular heart rhythms, along with significant findings from your past medical evaluations. Let's break down your situation and what steps might be appropriate moving forward.
Summary of Key Points:
- You experienced faintness, multiple ECG abnormalities (like sinus bradycardia and prolonged PR interval), and fluctuating blood pressure.
- Previous medical evaluations detected a brain MRI issue and a hereditary neuropathy condition.
- You are taking aspirin daily for relief.
Explanation:
Your symptoms of faintness and light-headedness could stem from multiple factors including cardiovascular (related to heart rhythm), neurological (considering your MRI results), or even from medications or stress. Abnormal ECGs, particularly with episodes of bradycardia and changes in rhythm, should be monitored closely due to potential implications for blood flow to your brain. Your fluctuating blood pressure readings indicate variability in your cardiovascular system response, which can also cause feelings of dizziness or imbalance.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Symptom Monitoring:
- Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms—including when you feel light-headed, the duration of each episode, and your blood pressure readings. Note how they correlate with activity, resting, or stress levels.
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Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Stay well-hydrated and ensure you’re getting enough electrolytes, as dehydration can lead to dizziness.
- Gradually change positions to avoid sudden dizziness—stand up slowly from sitting or lying down.
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Limit Physical Strain:
- Till your care team assesses further, try to avoid intense physical activity.
- Prioritize rest, aiming for adequate sleep and considering short, gentle walks rather than strenuous exercise to gauge how your body reacts.
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Electrolyte Check:
- Consider discussing electrolyte balance with your healthcare provider, especially since abnormal levels might contribute to your symptoms.
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Medication Review:
- Discuss the use of aspirin and any concerns about its long-term usage. Be cautious about self-medicating without professional guidance.
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Emergency Symptoms:
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe symptoms like fainting spells, chest pain, shortness of breath, or persistent confusion.
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Prepare for Follow-Up Appointment:
- Compile all related symptoms, ECG results, and your symptoms diary to present during your appointment for a thorough evaluation.
Your follow-up appointment will be crucial to discuss potential further testing, particularly regarding your ECG abnormality. It's understandable to feel anxious about waiting; take comfort in knowing that you are proactively monitoring and managing your symptoms. Don't hesitate to reach out if your condition worsens or if you have more questions.
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