[52M] Experiencing severe fatigue, weight loss, and cardiovascular symptoms

Patient Description

A 52-year-old male reports extreme fatigue worsening over the past 9 months, particularly exacerbated in the late afternoon and by talking or exertion. The fatigue is somewhat alleviated by rest and sleep. Accompanying the fatigue is significant weight loss of 78 pounds over the same period. The patient experiences dizziness described as spinning when experiencing low blood pressure and lightheadedness during frequent premature ventricular contractions. Memory loss and confusion have been present for several weeks, correlating with the onset of difficulty swallowing. The patient's resting heart rate has been recorded between 186 and 190 beats per minute. Mobility issues have led to falls and near falls over the past 9 months, and the patient has ceased driving due to low blood pressure. Shortness of breath has been frequent since September, triggered by talking and physical exertion. The patient also reports a longstanding tingling sensation in the hands, fingers, nose, and cheeks. Past medical history includes a partial colectomy for diverticulitis two years ago and a cervical fusion between discs 4 and 5 twelve years prior. Current medications include aspirin, clopidogrel, metoprolol, zantac, and Advil. No known drug allergies.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible conditions include:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): This is a complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest. The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is still unknown.
Neurological conditions: Some of your symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, dizziness, and mobility issues could be related to a neurological condition. This could range from conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or even a form of dementia.
Cardiac conditions: Your symptoms of rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure could be indicative of a heart condition. Conditions such as arrhythmias or heart failure could present with these symptoms.
Endocrine conditions: Conditions such as hypothyroidism or adrenal insufficiency can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and these conditions are complex and may require further testing to diagnose.

What you can do

Given the severity and range of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor may want to run a series of tests to rule out certain conditions and better understand what's causing your symptoms.

In the meantime, try to rest and stay hydrated. If you feel dizzy, avoid activities that could be dangerous, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.

What you should look out for

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Fainting
Sudden, severe headache
Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

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1 yr ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for POTS: Heart Rhythm Society Treatment Consensus

[52M] Experiencing severe fatigue, weight loss, and cardiovascular symptoms

What might be happening

What you can do

What you should look out for

Experiencing symptoms?