I Have Felt Off Balance Today, Unsteady. This Is Unusual
Question: I have felt off balance today, unsteady. This is unusual for me. It subsided late afternoon. Should I be worried?
I should have added that I take meds to control high blood pressure and cholesterol (Candesartin and Atorvastatin) as well as Metroprolol and a regular aspirin on a daily basis. Prior health conditions were a small heart attack in 2009 and a XXXXXXX stroke in 2018. I am overweight.
Brief Answer:
This can be self limiting but ruling out other conditions is needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and here is my advice:
If you felt off balance and did not have any chest pain, shortness of breath or any neurological symptoms very likely this is not something to worry, especially because you already feel better.Dehydration, fatigue, stress and even a viral infection may cause similar symptoms.
On the other hand it would be safer, due to your history of heart attack and stroke, to rule out these first, especially TIA (transitory ischemic attacks). If a patient has had these problems in the past, is at increased risk in the future.
You will need a blood pressure check to make sure your blood pressure is not too low or too high. If your doctor thinks it necessary he might also do a check of your heart (with an ECG and heart ultrasound) together with a thorough neurological examination and possible neck ultrasound to check for plaques there.
Meanwhile, it is good you are drinking water and keep yourself hydrated. Make sure you do not stand up abruptly so you prevent falls.
I hope this answers your query. I am at your disposal in case you need any further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician
This can be self limiting but ruling out other conditions is needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and here is my advice:
If you felt off balance and did not have any chest pain, shortness of breath or any neurological symptoms very likely this is not something to worry, especially because you already feel better.Dehydration, fatigue, stress and even a viral infection may cause similar symptoms.
On the other hand it would be safer, due to your history of heart attack and stroke, to rule out these first, especially TIA (transitory ischemic attacks). If a patient has had these problems in the past, is at increased risk in the future.
You will need a blood pressure check to make sure your blood pressure is not too low or too high. If your doctor thinks it necessary he might also do a check of your heart (with an ECG and heart ultrasound) together with a thorough neurological examination and possible neck ultrasound to check for plaques there.
Meanwhile, it is good you are drinking water and keep yourself hydrated. Make sure you do not stand up abruptly so you prevent falls.
I hope this answers your query. I am at your disposal in case you need any further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana