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Why Do I Feel Faint After Walking For A Short Distance When I Have Been A Methamphetamine Addict For 4 Years?

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Posted on Wed, 9 Mar 2022
Question: I have been a functioning meth addict for 4 years and lately, I walk a block or a flight of stairs and I feel faint and like my legs want to give out from under me. Once I sit for a few minutes everything is fine.
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Answered by Dr. Sagar Makode (35 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Could be due to drugs/dehydration/vasovagal attacks

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

There could be multiple reasons for this in your case.

Firstly, you need to rule out the possibility of dehydration and check whether you had less fluid or food intake. I guess there are no significant psychological issues like excessive stress or anxiety, which sometimes may precipitate such events. Also, I guess there was no palpitations or feeling of fast beating heart or chest pain.

The likely cause in you is orthostatic hypotension probably due to medicines which you are on. However, we have to rule out cardiac problems like low pulse rate or blood pressure.

So, please get heart rate and blood pressure checked and one ECG done. If any need then 2D-echocardiography may be done based on the findings.

You should have plenty of water and fluids. Also, avoid dehydration and sudden changes in posture, prolonged standing especially in hot, humid environment.

Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts.
Regards

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Sagar Makode

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1867 Questions

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Why Do I Feel Faint After Walking For A Short Distance When I Have Been A Methamphetamine Addict For 4 Years?

Brief Answer: Could be due to drugs/dehydration/vasovagal attacks Detailed Answer: Hello, There could be multiple reasons for this in your case. Firstly, you need to rule out the possibility of dehydration and check whether you had less fluid or food intake. I guess there are no significant psychological issues like excessive stress or anxiety, which sometimes may precipitate such events. Also, I guess there was no palpitations or feeling of fast beating heart or chest pain. The likely cause in you is orthostatic hypotension probably due to medicines which you are on. However, we have to rule out cardiac problems like low pulse rate or blood pressure. So, please get heart rate and blood pressure checked and one ECG done. If any need then 2D-echocardiography may be done based on the findings. You should have plenty of water and fluids. Also, avoid dehydration and sudden changes in posture, prolonged standing especially in hot, humid environment. Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts. Regards