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I Was Working Outside (low Exertion) And I Suddenly Felt

Posted on Mon, 3 Apr 2023

Question: I was working outside (low exertion) and I suddenly felt quite dizzy (as I was simply walking along) the dizziness lasted only a few seconds but was followed by a very rapid heart beat that I felt was in the upper left of my heart. I did not have any pain, I was not nauseous, no loss of consciousness, no confusion. The rapid heartbeat lasted for about a 90 seconds I'm guessing.

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
A presyncope most likely.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Judging from your description it seems to have been an episode of presyncope which is characterized by lightheadedness and dizziness, but without fainting as in syncope. It is usually due to an excessive drop in blood pressure. The fact that your felt that rapid heart beat supports that as well.
It is an issue which is very common. Often it may remain an isolated episode, due to a vasovagal reaction (increased activity of the vagus nerve), dehydration, fatigue etc. For this reason if this is the first time this has happened and you are symptom free now I wouldn't undertake any unnecessary tests (a simple EKG to check for heart arhythmia at most) or any therapy apart from good hydration. If the episode repeats itself then a more thorough heart and blood pressure evaluation is necessary through ultrasound, prolonged 24-48 hour Holter EKG and tilt test (to check for heart rhythm, muscle and valves issues).

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (4 hours later)

Thank you Dr. Taka. This makes great 'sense' to me as my BP tends to be on the low-side. I've been aware of my need for greater hydration and the weather was around mid-80's today. Additionally, I suspect that my magnesium levels could be low despite my excellent diet; occasional meat-eater but largely I consume the vast fruits and vegetables that I grow on my property. I intend to supplement my diet with calcium and magnesium (I've experienced some foot cramps during the night and sometimes exit bed to stand and relieve the foot cramp.) Thank you for your insight and for your participation in this format which I find quite helpful for my occasional non-emergency medical need/questions. If I were a more dramatic individual or in overall sub-standard health, I would have clogged an Emergency Dept.this afternoon (and then my projects would have fallen behind....lol) Thank you so much!!

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Thank you.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for taking the time to express your appreciation. Regarding the calcium and magnesium supplements I agree with their use for muscle cramps. If the issue persists then I would next order an electrolyte panel and parathyroid hormone measurement.

Let me know if I can further assist you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar