Any info/help please?

Hi all. There is some progress on the ongoing investigation of my dizziness problem I've had since my ablation in July. The dizziness has just continued to get worse & worse over the weeks & months. Lightheadedness, not vertigo.

My Tilt Test was negative. I failed an exercise (treadmill) test last month as my systolic (top number) blood pressure dropped mid-way through the test (which is NOT normal) & my heart rate was racing at 115 for 15 minutes after the test (it should return to normal rate so this too is abnormal). I do not have a pacemaker (yet).

My EP told me last week he wants me to have a 24 hour blood pressure monitor test. My question is....has anyone had this test done? I've read about it but just wondered if anyone has personal experience of wearing one etc. What did your results show? Is it uncomfotable, especially at night?

My EP said my dizziness could be caused by a fluctuating blood pressure problem & this test will tell him if my heart is causing the problem. I asked how the heart controls blood pressure & he said a fluctuating BP can be caused by weak contractions or a weak pumping action. Then he was telling me it can also be caused by problems with venous return in the legs, & I got a bit "lost" then with the medical terms etc.

My EP & his registrar have been fantastic throughout the whole 20 months they have been looking after me (since I got my arrhythmia) & they are being very supportive & helpful in trying to sort this problem out. I couldn't ask for better care. I live in the UK & my EP is a UK expert on arrhythmias. I just hope they sort this dizziness out soon because I get it everyday & it has been going on for SO long!!

If anyone can help I'd be very grateful. Many thanks.

Best wishes
Janey

2 Comments

Holter Monitor

by Island Girl - 2010-11-28 03:11:05

The test for 24 hour blood pressure is called a Holter Monitor test. I had it done two months ago and it was not uncomfortable for me. A blood pressure cuff is put on your arm and you wear a monitor in a pouch during the day. You put the monitor on a night stand next to your bed at night. It usually takes your blood pressure every ten minutes during awake hours and every twenty minutes during your sleeping hours. I took a sleeping pill at night so it wouldn't be on my mind at night. My test showed that my blood pressure went up instead of down during my sleeping hours. Now I am to have a sleep test done Tuesday .

Dizzyness

by donb - 2010-11-29 08:11:15

Hi Janey, As I'm 30 years older than you I have had similar problems with getting slightly dizzy. Some of mine is from low blood pressure. I have learned to be more punctual with taking my beta blocker medication which has helped. I was checking on carotid artery blockage yesterday after reading your post. I also asked my wife as she is a cardiac nurse for many years (ya, she's 17 years younger than me). Well, she said it's not a common effect to get dizzy from carotid blockage but it's possible.
I have an appointment to have my carotid checked in a week, just a general routine ultrasound. My GP ordered it as a precautionary. Anyhow, I have had some neck problems over the years and have had dizzy effects from cramming my neck in odd positions at work. Often wondered as with low BP and putting pressure on the carodid artery would certainly limit blood flow to the brain. Question is if you have given this a thought? I'm going to ask when I get the test again. Hopefully there's no blockage. I am on aspirin & Plavix which combo thins blood and haven't had dizzy spells. I have been on 81 mg aspirin for years, even before my 1st PM 18 years ago. donb

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