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What Causes Temporary Fainting, Heart Palpitations, Weakness In Arms And Legs?
Question: 66 yo male, very active, marathon runner, recently having to walk extremities weakness arms and legs, fainting just for seconds, heart palpitations what could this be? Extreme depression his whole life, just lost his mother 5 months ago, stressed over inheritance, brother being difficult, vegetarian, has cut out salt for years, these episodes happen 2 and 3 times a day. still goes for 3-5 miles walks, but might have an episode during those walks.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that it is important making a careful differential diagnosis of different causes that may cause this symptomatology:
-low blood pressure could lead to episodes of fainting and weakness of the limbs.
-chronic anemia could cause low blood pressure and hypovolemia
-thyroid dysfunction
-cardiac arrhythmia could cause heart palpitations associated with dizziness and episodes of fainting.
-depression and anxiety could explain this symptomatology too.
From the other hand Xenadrine intake could be related to cardiac arrhythmia and mood disorders as adverse effects.
I recommend consulting with his attending physician for a careful physical examination and some tests:
-chest X ray study
-resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound to examine the cardiac function
-blood lab tests (complete blood count, thyroid hormone levels, blood electrolytes, kidney and liver function tests, fasting glucose).
An ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring may be needed to examine better his heart rhythm trends during the day and rule in/out possible cardiac arrhythmia.
Meanwhile, I advise to closely monitor his blood pressure and refer those values to his attending physician.
You should discuss with his doctor on the above mentioned issues.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards!
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that it is important making a careful differential diagnosis of different causes that may cause this symptomatology:
-low blood pressure could lead to episodes of fainting and weakness of the limbs.
-chronic anemia could cause low blood pressure and hypovolemia
-thyroid dysfunction
-cardiac arrhythmia could cause heart palpitations associated with dizziness and episodes of fainting.
-depression and anxiety could explain this symptomatology too.
From the other hand Xenadrine intake could be related to cardiac arrhythmia and mood disorders as adverse effects.
I recommend consulting with his attending physician for a careful physical examination and some tests:
-chest X ray study
-resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound to examine the cardiac function
-blood lab tests (complete blood count, thyroid hormone levels, blood electrolytes, kidney and liver function tests, fasting glucose).
An ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring may be needed to examine better his heart rhythm trends during the day and rule in/out possible cardiac arrhythmia.
Meanwhile, I advise to closely monitor his blood pressure and refer those values to his attending physician.
You should discuss with his doctor on the above mentioned issues.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards!
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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