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What Causes Sudden Drop In Heart Rate, Nausea, Light-headed Feeling And Weakness?

Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015

Question: When I was working out on the elliptical my heart rate suddenly dropped twenty points and I felt nauseous; no shortness of breath and no other pain. I stopped immediately. Today in my exercise class I felt lightheaded and weak and had to sit for awhile. I have had the nausea before when I walk or use the treadmill. Could I be having XXXXXXX heart attacks or other heart issues? I also get frequent hiccups or little burps (two or three a day).

Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
There is a need for echocardiography and stress test

Detailed Answer:
Dear Mrs,

You have heart rate drop during physical activity. The most probable causes can be
1. Heart conduction problem - a disease called sick sinus syndrome, when heart can't fire appropriate amount of impulses, especially during physical activity. It can be either a disease of conduction system or can be caused from ischemia. But it not heart attack yet.
2. It can be autonomous nervous system disorder, which is seen usually in elderly, especially if they have diabetes mellitus.

In your case I would advise you to see a cardiologist. There is a need for stress test and echicardiography. Further strategy will depend on results of these two.

Hope I could help you

Wishing you good health

In case of further questions don't hesitate to ask

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (20 hours later)

I don't really have another question, just a comment. First, thank you very much for your answer Dr. Lilit. I was concerned about possible XXXXXXX heart attack because my mother had a quadruple by-pass operation at 74 or 75, and I think the doctor told her that she may have had heart attacks and not been aware of them before the main one because there was scar tissue on her heart. On my mother's side of the family there is significant heart disease (her and her siblings).

I do not have diabetes mellitus.

I will follow up with a visit to my primary care provider and she can refer me to a cardiologist.

Thank you again for your good answer and well wishes.

Sincerely, XXXX

Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

Thank you

Wishing you good health

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (47 hours later)

Dear Dr. Lilit,

What would be the treatment for ischemia and sick sinus syndrome?

Thank you again!
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Depends on severity

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

For ischemia can be both medical treatment and interventional approach, depends on severity.
For sick sinus syndrome if not severe there only follow up is needed, in severe cases the treatment is devise implantation (pacemaker).

Wishing you good health

In case of further questions don't hesitate to ask

Regards,

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

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