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What Causes Irregular Heartbeats, Weak Blurry Vision And Dizziness?

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Posted on Mon, 26 Oct 2015
Question: Having 10-15 minute stretches of rapid, weak and irregular heartbeats. My local er disregards me because of my past with anxiety attacks and alcoholism. I have been sober for two years and know what i feel when having anxiety. Since 6am today, these flutters have turned into throbbing pain, weakness burry vision, and dizziness. So, I guess, now I am feeling slightly anxious...39 year old female, overwieght, hypertension. Current bp is 148/132. Go to er or keep trying to ride it out?? Scared of being treated like an idiot....again! Help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I recommend going to the ER for some tests.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

I understand your concern and would explain that your symptoms seem to be related to a cardiac arrhythmia. A acute cardiac ischemia can not be excluded too.

Your blood pressure is seriously high (mainly diastolic) and coupled with your symptomatology, raises the suspicions of a cardiac disorder.

Anxiety could also mimic this situation, but you should exclude a cardiac related cause before coming into this conclusion.

I recommend going to the ER as soon as possible for a careful physical exam, a resting ECG , a chest x ray study and some other blood lab tests:

-cardiac enzymes
-complete blood count
-fasting glucose
-blood electrolytes
-kidney and liver function tests.

If a cardiac cause is confirmed by the above mentioned tests, you will need an acute treatment.

Hope to have been helpful!

Feel free to ask any other questions, whenever you need!

Best wishes,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (6 hours later)
Thank you. Still haven't gone to er. Symptoms haven't changed, just feeling more pain and weakness. Husband will be home soon...he'll probably make me go...if you still suggest it?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
I still insist that you should go to the ER.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I still insist that you should go to the ER.

It may be just a panic attack, but to be sure of that, some tests should be done.

Hope to have been helpful!

Best wishes,
Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (57 minutes later)
Ok....took another 0.5 mg of ativan if no change in 30 minutes, i will go. Thank you again!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
I recommend you to closely monitor your blood pressure.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Hope that everything is all right now!

Even if your tests in the ER result OK, I would recommend discussing with your GP the possibility of making some changes to your antihypertensive therapy.

I would advise to closely monitor your blood pressure, different times during the day (usually in sitting position, after 15 minutes of total relax) and refer these values to your doctor.

Chronic uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to several chronic changes in your blood vessels, increasing the possibility or cardio-vascular events.

From the other hand episodes of uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause possible brain hemorrhage, which is a very severe medical condition.

I would also recommend some lifestyle modifications :

-modify your diet (avoid salt and caffeine intake)
- perform a lot of physical activity (walking, yoga, aerobics)
-lose weight.

Hope to have been helpful!

Best regards,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (2 hours later)
Been admitted to local hospital ( small town of 3600) with double pneumonia?!? Forgot to mention I already take 40 mg of lisinopril and 20 mg of lasix daily. Given 2 mg of ativan, i.v. of levoquin, 2 douneb nebulizer treatments ( which raised my bp to 197/154!!!! Then??? They gave me a shot of lopressor, then another..bp dropped to 83/58!!!! Husband is trying to get me transferred to mayo! They never did ANY blood work or ran a strip! One view of my chest from left side!!! That's it....by the way, i'm an l.p.n. at a local rehab center. Would appreciate any other input you might have on my situation. Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Your symptoms are not very suggestive of bilateral pneumonia.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Did you measure your body temperature during the day? Did you have any fevers?

A double pneumonia would cause fevers and other symptoms like cough, difficulty in breathing, fevers, etc, which you didn't mention.

Besides, a unic chest x ray study is insufficient to diagnose this disorder. Some other lab tests are needed.

A lung edema (from high blood pressure) could also mimic this clinical scenario and have a similar image on the chest x ray study.

From the other hand, lopressor is not effective in bilateral pneumonia, but usually acts on the heart rhythm and blood pressure.

I recommend consulting with your GP for a careful physical examination, a resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound and some blood lab tests:

-cardiac enzymes
-complete blood count (for possible infection)
-PCR, sedimentation rate (inflammation)
-fasting glucose
-blood electrolytes
-kidney and liver function tests
-thyroid hormone levels (thyroid gland function)
-cortisol and aldosteron plasma levels (adrenal gland function), etc.

Further tests are needed to establish the diagnosis (an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring, etc.)

Meanwhile I would advise to closely monitor your blood pressure and heart rate.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask me directly at any time at the link below:

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=69765

Best regards,

Dr. Iliri




Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (21 minutes later)
My husband and I are on our way to mayo clinic. Even if you aren't a real doctor, computer operator, etc...you still know more than the the so-called "medical professionals" that were supposed to be treating me! Slight fever, 100.5. Also said heart is enlarged. But only a bit. What does that mean? Could the tightness and painin my chest be fluids? I've had pneumonia twice before and this does not feel the same! I am confident that one of the best er's in the world can figure it out. Your site sure does help my anxiety level though!!!!!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Your symptoms are very suggestive of a cardiac disorder.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I understand your concern and I agree with your decision to going to Mayo Clinic.

Thank you for the additional information provided.

Your symptoms, coupled with fever and an enlarged heart could be related to a myocarditis or an acute cardiomyopathy.

You should be consulted in a specified cardiology center and perform the above mentioned tests.

I am a cardiologist, who works in the intensive acute cardiac unit of the Universitary Hospital Center of the capital of Albania, Tirana. I have more than 10 years of experience in this unit. You can view this information by clicking on my profile.

Hope everything will be clarified!

Best wishes,

Dr. Iliri


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (18 minutes later)
I was actually just reviewing a presentation you made in 2014 regarding diuretics so, I apologize if I offened you. Just wanted you to know that even if you were just a phantom on the internet....you gave me more time and consideration than my doctors have given me in the twenty-seven years I have been seening them!!! (Since I was twelve). Again, THANK YOU! No more questions. However, I will be telling the cardiologists at mayo how very helpful you have been! Very greatful and please have a beautiful day. (Morning here)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

I am a real doctor with a real face (like in the photo). I am glad you have read my presentation. I have made many of them.

Anyway, I am glad to have been helpful!

You are going to one of the best hospitals, and I am sure you will get a real diagnose.

Greetings!

Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9545 Questions

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What Causes Irregular Heartbeats, Weak Blurry Vision And Dizziness?

Brief Answer: I recommend going to the ER for some tests. Detailed Answer: Hello! Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM! I understand your concern and would explain that your symptoms seem to be related to a cardiac arrhythmia. A acute cardiac ischemia can not be excluded too. Your blood pressure is seriously high (mainly diastolic) and coupled with your symptomatology, raises the suspicions of a cardiac disorder. Anxiety could also mimic this situation, but you should exclude a cardiac related cause before coming into this conclusion. I recommend going to the ER as soon as possible for a careful physical exam, a resting ECG , a chest x ray study and some other blood lab tests: -cardiac enzymes -complete blood count -fasting glucose -blood electrolytes -kidney and liver function tests. If a cardiac cause is confirmed by the above mentioned tests, you will need an acute treatment. Hope to have been helpful! Feel free to ask any other questions, whenever you need! Best wishes, Dr. Iliri