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Suggest Treatment For Severe Dizziness
Question: i am 6 months out of aortic valve repair (bovine patch) plus 2 other arteries replaced with veins from my inner thigh. generally ok; but cant walk very far, experience dizziness after 20 minutes or so. i notice bouts of dizziness after turning toward the left. I fell once while out for a walk, cut my forehead, think i passed out for a short time. Have had 33 sessions at a cardiac rehab facility, didn't feel i was challenged enough, never broke a sweat. I am 76 yrs old, male. main complaint is lack of stamina. i push myself to build up strength- raking leaves, minor household repair. Cardiac Dr. tells me recovery may take up to a year. i feel my expectations are being managed, as the initial recovery was described as 3-6 months. your view?
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain that dizziness modulated by head or body movements is not related to any cardiac disorders.
It may be related to cervical vertebral column chronic changes (spondylarthrosis) or to an inner ear disorder.
For this reason, I would recommend performing some tests to investigate for the possible underlying causes:
- a cervical spine X ray study
- a Doppler ultrasound of the cervical vessels to investigate for possible atherosclerotic narrowing of the cervical blood arteries, which supply blood to the brain.
If these tests result normal, I would recommend consulting with an ENT specialist and performing labyrinthine tests to exclude a possible inner ear disorder.
A close monitoring of your blood pressure (in sitting and standing up position) would help exclude possible low blood pressure or orthostatic hypotension, which can trigger this symptomatology. A Head Up Tilt test would be necessary in case orthostatic hypotension is suspected during physical exam or from your blood pressure measurements.
Regarding your heart, I would also advice performing some tests to investigate its function:
- a cardiac ultrasound to examine your heart function and structure
- an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring to exclude possible cardiac arrhythmia, which can trigger these bouts of dizziness or fainting.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Meanwhile, I would recommend taking plenty of fluids to remain well hydrated and avoid abrupt body movements (changes in body position, turning, standing up should be performed slowly).
Hope to have been helpful!
Feel free to ask me again, whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain that dizziness modulated by head or body movements is not related to any cardiac disorders.
It may be related to cervical vertebral column chronic changes (spondylarthrosis) or to an inner ear disorder.
For this reason, I would recommend performing some tests to investigate for the possible underlying causes:
- a cervical spine X ray study
- a Doppler ultrasound of the cervical vessels to investigate for possible atherosclerotic narrowing of the cervical blood arteries, which supply blood to the brain.
If these tests result normal, I would recommend consulting with an ENT specialist and performing labyrinthine tests to exclude a possible inner ear disorder.
A close monitoring of your blood pressure (in sitting and standing up position) would help exclude possible low blood pressure or orthostatic hypotension, which can trigger this symptomatology. A Head Up Tilt test would be necessary in case orthostatic hypotension is suspected during physical exam or from your blood pressure measurements.
Regarding your heart, I would also advice performing some tests to investigate its function:
- a cardiac ultrasound to examine your heart function and structure
- an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring to exclude possible cardiac arrhythmia, which can trigger these bouts of dizziness or fainting.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Meanwhile, I would recommend taking plenty of fluids to remain well hydrated and avoid abrupt body movements (changes in body position, turning, standing up should be performed slowly).
Hope to have been helpful!
Feel free to ask me again, whenever you need!
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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