Slight lightheaded feeling

Lightheadedness

by Gemita - 2023-11-02 12:04:10

Hello my Pacemaker 34 friend.  It would be normal to think that your pacemaker or heart condition is somehow causing these slight lightheaded feelings on getting up from a sitting position but lightheadedness is a common problem for many of us even without electrical disturbances of the heart or a pacemaker.  Are you taking any medication by chance and are you keeping well hydrated?  Medication that reduces blood pressure and heart rate and dehydration can both trigger feelings of lightheadedness, although there are many other causes.

Yes I experience occasional light headedness for no apparent reason, but lightheadedness is not a normal symptom and it could be a sign of a heart rhythm, blood pressure problem or a new health condition, so it is always worth getting some checks with your general doctor as well as speaking to your pacemaker clinic.  I see you have sent pacemaker data to your cardiologist.  That was sensible.

If the lightheadedness only occurs occasionally and you have no other symptoms like fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath and you feel otherwise well, I would not be unduly worried, especially if your doctors have carried out some blood checks - like glucose, electrolytes for example.   But if the lightheadedness continues or worsens and you get other symptoms like palpitations or you pass out, then you need some urgent checks.  Please stay in touch and update us when you hear from your pacemaker team.  I am sure you will be fine                                                                                                                                     

I agree with Gemita

by LondonAndy - 2023-11-02 15:40:24

And would add: it can be useful to have some readings to help your doctor when you see them. For example, if you can, simulate when you think you will feel lightheaded and take a blood pressure reading whilst seated, then another one once standing up. (Incidentally, the general advice is that the lower reading, the diastolic, should be over 60. If below that then drink a glass of water, wait a bit (10 to 15 mins?) and repeat the experiment.

Lightheadedness

by piglet22 - 2023-11-03 08:31:14

You've done well to get through all those passings out and then been thrown in at the deep end with a significant diagnosis and a solution.

Welcome to a very large club.

One thing I would be doing is keeping a check on pulse and noting any sensations you get. These sensations are often called pre-syncope.

I started having pre-syncope and falls and loss of consciousness early this year after 18-years with a pacemaker for complete heart block, now progressed to type 3 and 100% dependent.

If I got up without checking my pulse, I could be feeling decidedly unwell after just a couple of steps and grabbing for something solid. I get more of a tight head feeling, but it brings you up short.

In my case, it was more complicated and has been tracked down to ventricular ectopy (VE). VE adds extra beats that do nothing useful, but are sensed by the pacemaker. The pacemaker says that's OK and does nothing. This ends up with palpable heart rate dropping well below the IPG base rate, low blood pressure and keeling over.

It's not something to ignore, not that you are, but you don't want to be at the top of the stairs when you get an episode.

If the PM has a base rate minimum as on your PM card?, you should not be going below that rate.

If you aren't already doing it, get into doing regular blood pressure and pulse readings a nd record them. There are opposing views about pulse taking, but my BP monitor is my go to instrument and it hardly ever gets it wrong.

Yes!

by PacedNRunning - 2023-11-03 17:15:48

Yes! I get this and never had it before my PM. But I do get strong brief periods of dizziness. It's like whoa!!!  I pace all the time so I don't think it's when it's kicking in. I"m not sure but my doctor just says keep an eye on it and if they get longer, let him know. Let us know what your doctor says