What Causes High Heart Rate And Nausea When On Medication For BP And Cholesterol?

Posted on Mon, 9 Feb 2015

Question: Hello. I am a 60 year old female. I'm physically fit and do an hour of cardio each day. I'm on high blood pressure medication (Losartan HCTZ-12.5 mg) and Crestor (10 mg) for my high cholesterol. For the past couple of weeks, I have been experiencing some symptoms that are quite puzzling if not strange. This is not consistent and happens sporadically. It's hard to explain, but there are certain times where I smell something, it could be anything, nothing in particular, and I become very light headed, nauseous, my heart rate is elevated and feel as if I will pass out. Here is the strange part. After the "episode" subsides (about 10 seconds later), I have an incredible sense of "deja vu", and it stays with me for hours. The only way I can describe it is a memory that is right there with me that I feel as if I experienced, but can't recall what it is. I have no pain at all, and I check my blood pressure frequently which is pretty good. I have not been to my physician because quite frankly I'm a bit embarrassed that he might think I'm crazy! Have you heard of anything like this before and if you have, can you direct me to the correct doctor to see for this? Thanks very much.

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It mimics a Complex partial seizure.MRI Brain and EEG to be done.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being here on Healthcaremagic.com
I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist,here to answer your query.

The semiology you have described is very typical,rather classical of a 'Complex partial seizure with aura'. These seizures come in episodes.

Two investigations that are mandatory-
1)Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) of Brain to look for seizure foci.
2)Electroencephalogram(EEG) to look for abnormal electrical discharges of brain(electrophysiological correlates of seizure).EEG should be done during the period you are having this episode or in a time frame closest to it.

Please visit a neurologist and get these investigations done.These are mandatory to rule out organic cause for this semiology(This semiology can result due to non-organic or psychiatric causes also).
There is no need to feel embarrassed.Please do as advised.

Hope I have answered your query.If you have some follow-up questions,I shall be glad to answer,else please close the thread-rate it and write a review.

Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Ajay Panwar (10 hours later)

Thanks so much for your reply Dr. Panwar. I live on Long Island (Nassau County), and my GP is retiring. Would you happen to know or recommend a good neurologist in this area to visit or a facility that is better ie: XXXXXXX or Cornell in NYC? Also, if something is discovered, can this be controlled with medication, providing there is no tumor etc.?
I had four 'episodes' the day before yesterday, and none at all yesterday. So far, knock wood, none today. I'm functioning normally (working out, eating properly), yet that 'deja vu' feeling still remains.
I can't thank you enough for your help and advice. It just helps to talk about it. Sincerely, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It will probably be controlled with medicines.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being in follow-up.

I am afraid to tell that I belong to XXXXXXX and doesn't have much idea about the neurologists in Long Island.However,I searched internet and found there are some good ones.You can search and see the user reviews,thus decide which one is better.

As,I sincerely believe it is a seizure semiology ,most likely complex partial seizures.It will probably get well with medicines.Please meet the neurologist to get the investigations(MRI and EEG) done,to establish the diagnosis.

Hope I have answered your query.If you have some follow-up questions,I shall be glad to answer,else please close the thread-rate it and write a review.

Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj