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What Causes Bouts Of Weakness, Vasovagal Reflex During Bowel Movement And CHF?

Posted on Tue, 28 Jul 2015

Question: Just had cardiac arrest and required pacemaker/defin. Had previous congestive heart failure which corrected 30 years before. Functioning after pacemaker up from 50 to 60. Still have moments of weakness needing to lay down usually in conjunction with bowel movement. What's that? Havel possible symptoms of cardiomyopathy again.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following answer to your queries.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

Your symptoms are typical for vasovagal reflex. During bowel movement the person involuntary perform Valsalva maneuver that activate baroreceptor and vasovagal reflexes causing your symptoms.

If you were my patient I would recommend the following measures:
- drink plenty of water
- use stool softener (lactulose)
- avoid standing up directly after bowel movement (sit down on toilet for at least 2-5 minutes before standing).

You should stay calm and relax because your symptoms doesn't seem related to an exacerbated heart failure or cardiomyopathy.

Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

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

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