Saw my cardiologist today. The gray-outs are vasovagal - spells of low blood pressure caused by medication and immobility (both episodes occurred while forcibly sitting still - at a medical conference and on an airplane). Nothing to be concerned about, and he gave me some tips to avert it the next time I feel it come on.
Take care,
Michael
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Off to the doctor
I've been traveling nonstop for the past 8 days. First Hawaii, then Orlando. I know it sounds like a vacation, but unfortunately I was in business clothes most of the time and shuttling from meeting to meeting.
Travel is always tough on me. Between the long hours (usually going nonstop every day from 7:00 a.m. sessions through business dinners), the movement through airports with luggage, the rich restaurant food, and the alcohol (not that I get drunk, but there are more occasions to have a beer or glass of wine with colleagues than at home), I often get more HCM symptoms while traveling and immediately afterward.
However, twice last week I had "gray-outs": episodes of near fainting that last 15-30 seconds. Both times I had the presence of mind to check my pulse at the wrist during the episode, and it was either weak or absent. It's most likely either low blood pressure or arrhythmia (I am assuming that the cause is cardiac and not something else).
I see my cardiologist tomorrow to get this checked out - will keep y'all posted.
Best,
Michael
Travel is always tough on me. Between the long hours (usually going nonstop every day from 7:00 a.m. sessions through business dinners), the movement through airports with luggage, the rich restaurant food, and the alcohol (not that I get drunk, but there are more occasions to have a beer or glass of wine with colleagues than at home), I often get more HCM symptoms while traveling and immediately afterward.
However, twice last week I had "gray-outs": episodes of near fainting that last 15-30 seconds. Both times I had the presence of mind to check my pulse at the wrist during the episode, and it was either weak or absent. It's most likely either low blood pressure or arrhythmia (I am assuming that the cause is cardiac and not something else).
I see my cardiologist tomorrow to get this checked out - will keep y'all posted.
Best,
Michael
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