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Have A Cardiomyopathy With A Very Low Ejection Fraction. Feeling Dizzy, Kicking Feeling In Heart. Reason?
Question: I have cardiomyopathy and had a 3-wire ICD implanted last week. About 5 days after the procedure I started having a strong kicking feeling coming from my heart. It is strong enough to move my body in a chair if I am sitting. After I have extreme dizziness and feel like the floor is a magnet trying to pull me down. I have to hold on to keep from falling down. An echo shows a 25 ejection fraction, but the cardio thoracic surgeon it is effectively 10-15 points lower than that. What in the world could this be?
Hello,
Thanks for posting a query in health care magic.
From the description that you have stated it appears that you have a cardiomyopathy with a very low ejection fraction. A ejection fraction of 25 which the cardiothoracic surgeon feels is much less is bound to be insufficient for you.
Now coming to your specific symptoms:
1) "Strong kicking feeling coming from the heart"
Such symptoms occur when the heart beats either slower or faster than it should actually be. Probably with low blood pressure, your heart is beating faster than it is required and hence you are having this kicking feeling. The best way to confirm will be to measure your pulse for 1 minute.
2) "Feel like the floor is the magnet trying to pull me down"
This kind of sensation appears when there is an inadequate blood supply to the brain. You feel dizzy and similar sensation as you have described.
Please do not involve your self in any strenuous task and take rest. When ever you feel such a thing, do sit down or lie down immediately and you will feel better.
Do discuss this issue with your treating cardiologist in your next visit.
Remember such symptoms can also be psychological especially after you have a cardiac illness and this might confuse the picture. First you should try to treat yourself for cardiac cause but if the symptoms persist, you may have to visit a psychiatrist/psychologist.
Hope I am able to solve your concerns.
If you need any further details, you can also contact me directly by using the below mentioned link:
http://bit.ly/dr-srikanth-reddy
Wish you good health.
Regards,
Dr. Srikanth Reddy M.D.
Thanks for posting a query in health care magic.
From the description that you have stated it appears that you have a cardiomyopathy with a very low ejection fraction. A ejection fraction of 25 which the cardiothoracic surgeon feels is much less is bound to be insufficient for you.
Now coming to your specific symptoms:
1) "Strong kicking feeling coming from the heart"
Such symptoms occur when the heart beats either slower or faster than it should actually be. Probably with low blood pressure, your heart is beating faster than it is required and hence you are having this kicking feeling. The best way to confirm will be to measure your pulse for 1 minute.
2) "Feel like the floor is the magnet trying to pull me down"
This kind of sensation appears when there is an inadequate blood supply to the brain. You feel dizzy and similar sensation as you have described.
Please do not involve your self in any strenuous task and take rest. When ever you feel such a thing, do sit down or lie down immediately and you will feel better.
Do discuss this issue with your treating cardiologist in your next visit.
Remember such symptoms can also be psychological especially after you have a cardiac illness and this might confuse the picture. First you should try to treat yourself for cardiac cause but if the symptoms persist, you may have to visit a psychiatrist/psychologist.
Hope I am able to solve your concerns.
If you need any further details, you can also contact me directly by using the below mentioned link:
http://bit.ly/dr-srikanth-reddy
Wish you good health.
Regards,
Dr. Srikanth Reddy M.D.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you! This rings true and makes perfect sense! Low blood pressure and high heart rates are often my case. After reading your response, I checked my health diary and these "kicking" episodes have all happened during activity and within an hour or two of taking my medications. Sounds like all that might be needed is a call to my cardiologist for a little med adjustment.
Hello,
Thanks for your followup.
Yes, you need to ring your cardiologist who would like to adjust your medications slightly and then you should be fine.
If you need any further queries, I will be more than happy to help you.
If not, you can close the discussion and rate the answer if possible.
Regards,
Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD
Thanks for your followup.
Yes, you need to ring your cardiologist who would like to adjust your medications slightly and then you should be fine.
If you need any further queries, I will be more than happy to help you.
If not, you can close the discussion and rate the answer if possible.
Regards,
Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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