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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Dizziness And Heaviness In The Heart?

When exercising or when I'm stressed mainly but sometimes also just getting up from lying down my heart feels heavy and I find myself having to take deep breaths. Lately I have also been feeling very light headed and dizzy with a slight headache. Any ideas what it might be?
Tue, 15 Sep 2015
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Cardiologist 's  Response
Hello!

Thank you for asking on HCM!

I read your question carefully and would like to explain that your symptoms seem to be related to low blood pressure or orthostatic hypotension.

A chronic anemia could also mimic this clinical scenario.


Have you measured your blood pressure during these episodes?

I recommend to closely monitor your blood pressure during sitting and standing up position. A decrease more than 20mm HG in your systolic blood pressure during standing up position, compared with sitting position would indicate an orthostatic hypotension.

I would advise to consult with your GP for a careful physical examination, a resting ECG and some blood lab tests:

- complete blood count
- fasting glucose
- blood electrolytes
- kidney and liver function tests
- thyroid hormone levels

to exclude other possible metabolic causes.

A head up tilt tests would be necessary to rule in/out a possible orthostatic hypotension.

Meanwhile, I recommend taking plenty of fluids (water, juices) and avoid dehydration.

Hope to have been helpful!

Greetings!

Dr. Iliri

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What Causes Dizziness And Heaviness In The Heart?

Hello! Thank you for asking on HCM! I read your question carefully and would like to explain that your symptoms seem to be related to low blood pressure or orthostatic hypotension. A chronic anemia could also mimic this clinical scenario. Have you measured your blood pressure during these episodes? I recommend to closely monitor your blood pressure during sitting and standing up position. A decrease more than 20mm HG in your systolic blood pressure during standing up position, compared with sitting position would indicate an orthostatic hypotension. I would advise to consult with your GP for a careful physical examination, a resting ECG and some blood lab tests: - complete blood count - fasting glucose - blood electrolytes - kidney and liver function tests - thyroid hormone levels to exclude other possible metabolic causes. A head up tilt tests would be necessary to rule in/out a possible orthostatic hypotension. Meanwhile, I recommend taking plenty of fluids (water, juices) and avoid dehydration. Hope to have been helpful! Greetings! Dr. Iliri