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Q: Blacking out

asked by: LisaJoanne on May 23rd, 2009

Experienced User

I have recently begun an exercise programme using machines that work the muscles. It is only a half hour thing and not very strenuous. I am 54 years old, very unfit and overweight, and my doctor asked me to do this. I also have high blood pressure and am taking Norvasc for it. I have been three times for the exercising and am loving it.
However, a couple of hours after the last time I suddenly felt something strange about my heartbeat - not sure what - and then I started to black out. It was like a dark curtain coming down, but before it fully fell it disappeared and I was normal again. This was all very quick. I am scared witless about what this might mean. I do not see my doctor again until Friday, but I am scared it might happen again. Can anyone please help with what this might be or advice. Thank-you!

Replies(7)

deteragram

replied on May 24th, 2009

Supporter

It sounds like you have suffered from syncope. This occurs when a person's blood pressure goes from very high- such as during exercise- to low blood pressure while resting. Everything I've read on the subject says that this should happen relatively soon after the exercise, however. I did not know this could happen hours later.
Just to be on the safe side, I think you should not do any strenuous exercise until your next appointment. Perhaps you could take a walk or light jog for exercise until Friday.

Users who thank deteragram for this post: LisaJoanne

JavaMissus

replied on May 26th, 2009

Supporter

I don't like the way that this sounds...I would strongly suggest that your doctor have you do the treadmill test before you go on this machine again...See what your heartrate does...I have had this done to me some years ago...After you have passed all the tests, then proceed...Very often this is done with a heart specialist and is very thorough...I sure would do this to be on the safe side...

Take care,
Caroline

Users who thank JavaMissus for this post: LisaJoanne

norx

replied on May 28th, 2009

New User

Norvasc is a calcium channel blocker and part of the way it works is by actually making your heart slow down. The problems you have experienced appear to be known side effects of Norvasc and I would certainly alert your doctor and possibly even request a different drug. Usually diuretics have fewer side effects and work just as well. You may also want to look into the Zona Plus and Resperate devices.

Users who thank norx for this post: deteragram LisaJoanne

deteragram

replied on May 28th, 2009

Supporter

norx is right. I didn't even check the side effects of Norvasc. A warning says to notify your doctor immediately if you feel like you are about to pass out while on this medication.

Users who thank deteragram for this post: LisaJoanne

LisaJoanne

replied on May 28th, 2009

Experienced User

Thank-you all so much. I was supposed to see my doctor today but she is sick so I can't see her until Monday now. Fortunately I have not had any further episodes but I have been very nervous in anticipation of same. I am actually hoping that with the exercise and weight loss that is also happening, I may eventually be able to get my blood pressure down. I don't feel as anxious after reading the last two posts so I thank you very much for that.

LisaJoanne

replied on June 30th, 2009

Experienced User

I thought that I would update this in case others experienced similar symptoms and had concerns about them. Since I first posted here I have had an ECG and an exercise stress test and both have been negative. My doctor has not been concerned about my medication and has kept me on it, although my blood pressure is decreasing thanks to the exercise program I have undertaken. I have had no further problem with the symptoms mentioned and am hoping they were just a one-off. They were really scary though. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

deteragram

replied on June 30th, 2009

Supporter

Thanks for the update LisaJoanne. Very few people ever bother to post the outcomes of any doctor visits or tests. I am glad to hear that you are no longer experiencing any problems with blacking out.

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