[26F] Experiencing severe symptoms following low blood pressure and fainting
Patient Description
A 26-year-old female with a history of chronic numbness, underweight, eating disorder, trembling when grabbing something cold or big, swallowing problems, shortness of breath, and chest pain experienced a significant drop in blood pressure after donating blood. The patient fainted and has since felt extreme weakness, numbness in the body, and dizziness. She reports that even a short walk makes her feel like fainting, accompanied by trembling and a sensation of having no blood in her body. The patient also experiences chest pain when breathing heavily, which she describes as heartburn. Her recent blood pressure reading was 99/63. She has a history of family members who suffered strokes at relatively young ages. The patient has an open canal tooth that has not been restored due to sensitivity to anesthesia, and she used a serum with dexamethasone and betamethasone once the previous night without immediate adverse reactions. She reports worsening eyesight and a mild headache, along with a moderate level of confusion and difficulty concentrating. There are no signs of infection around the tooth, and she has not experienced unusual sweating, clamminess, or swelling in her legs or ankles.
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the symptoms and history you've provided, here are some possible explanations for your condition:
Low Blood Pressure and Extreme Weakness
- Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): Your blood pressure reading of 99/63 is on the lower side. Low blood pressure can cause dizziness, fainting, and extreme weakness. It can be due to dehydration, prolonged standing, or underlying medical conditions.
- Postural Hypotension: This occurs when your blood pressure drops significantly when you stand up from sitting or lying down, leading to dizziness and fainting.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Given your history of being underweight and having an eating disorder, you might have nutritional deficiencies that can contribute to low blood pressure and weakness.
Numbness and Trembling
- Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition involves damage to the peripheral nerves and can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness, especially in the arms and legs. It can be related to nutritional deficiencies, especially B vitamins.
- Cardiovascular Issues: Given your family history of stroke and your symptoms of chest pain and numbness, it's important to rule out cardiovascular issues that might be affecting blood flow to your extremities.
Heart-Related Symptoms
- Cardiac Issues: Your symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations could indicate underlying heart conditions such as arrhythmias or other cardiac issues. Given your family history of stroke, this is particularly important to investigate.
What you can do
Low Blood Pressure and Extreme Weakness
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help maintain your blood pressure.
- Increase Salt Intake: Adding a bit more salt to your diet can help raise your blood pressure, but consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes.
- Small, Frequent Meals: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help prevent blood pressure drops after eating.
- Avoid Sudden Movements: Stand up slowly from sitting or lying down to prevent dizziness and fainting.
Numbness and Trembling
- Nutritional Support: Ensure you are getting adequate nutrition, including vitamins and minerals. Consider taking a multivitamin if recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Physical Activity: Gentle exercises and stretching can help improve circulation and reduce numbness.
- Avoid Triggers: Try to avoid activities that exacerbate your symptoms, such as grabbing cold or large objects.
Heart-Related Symptoms
- Seek Medical Attention: Given your symptoms and family history, it's crucial to see a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend tests such as an ECG, echocardiogram, or blood tests to assess your heart health.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including when they occur and what might trigger them. Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, get insights, and share longitudinal medical notes with your provider.
What you should look out for
Given the severity of your symptoms and the potential for serious underlying conditions, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Reasons to seek care even more urgently include:
- Severe Chest Pain: If you experience severe chest pain, especially if it radiates to your arm or jaw, seek emergency medical attention.
- Fainting or Severe Dizziness: If you faint again or experience severe dizziness, seek immediate medical care.
- Sudden Numbness or Weakness: If you experience sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of your body, seek emergency medical attention as this could be a sign of a stroke.
Remember, while I can provide guidance, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Take care, Blu!
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3 mo ago