Problems with fainting

Hi. I just found this website, as I was searching for the links between dehydration and bradycardia.

After fainting 3 times in the last year - the last time I was standing in line at WalMart! - my doctor finally explained to me that dehydration causes my blood to thicken. Normally, when this happens, a person's heart will start beating faster to keep pumping enough blood to the brain to keep you going. But, since my pacemaker only pumps at one speed, if I stand in one spot too long and am dehydrated....PLUNK! I pass out.

Does anyone else have to deal with this? I'm wondering how much it helps to take salt tablets. I don't usually eat much salt, which leaves me susceptible to dehydration. That, plus I tend to drink too much Diet Coke. :(

6 Comments

I am using more salt now

by mkaz03 - 2015-03-24 07:03:20

My cardiologist also told me to use more salt to avoid low blood pressure/afib situations that almost cause me to pass out - only on the golf course.. Since starting to salt my food and using magnesium tablets I have not had any more episodes for over a month -previously these episodes were sometimes weekly. Fingers crossed that this is actually a solution.

It's a balance

by MelodyMarch - 2015-03-24 08:03:43

I don't know if the blood actually gets thicker, but the overall volume of your blood is less.

A few things can help. I know, because while the majority of my problem is SSS, I also have some NCS tendencies with blood pressure drops.

1. Water. Water. Water. I drink at least 3 liters a day. If I'm having a particularly low day, I add some powerade or Gatorade.

2. Some caffeine is good and okay. It can raise your blood pressure, and help out. However, it can also dehydrate you which defeats the purpose.

3. Try eating a bit more salt in your diet. I have found that adding a bit of extra salt throughout the day is better for me than a big salt tablet all at once. I don't worry about adding salt to say potatoes or popcorn.

4. For some of us, having Rate Response turned on is helpful. It is for me, but that is a discussion to have with your cardio.

5. When standing in line, don't just stand there, march your feet, sway back and forth. Don't be stationary. That will help keep the blood from pooling in your legs and pump it around your body more.

Any or all of these things can help!

Diet coke

by Suz - 2015-03-24 09:03:13

I think part of my problems started with diet coke. You aren't hydrating with it. So now if I need a kick start, I'll drink a glass of water first and another glass of water between each soda. I now think of soda as a recreational beverage because it does nothing to help your body!

Drinking Carbonated Beverages

by Artist - 2015-03-24 11:03:41

I wonder if your consumption of diet coke could be contributing to your problems. It is my understanding that carbonated beverages are very high in sodium/salt and even though you are drinking diet coke, unless it is caffeine free, it is loaded with caffeine. It doesn't take much caffeine to push my heart into afib, and that can produce a very fast heart rate. I avoid caffeine and my PM and medications are doing a good job in stabilizing my HR. You might try cutting out the Diet Coke for a while (and any similar beverages) and see what happens. Nothing beats cold, clear water, perhaps with a splash of lemon juice.

Hi

by annie21 - 2015-03-25 05:03:19

I have BPPV & faint quite often, have added salt to my diet, drink more water, don't stand still for long, if i have to i stamp my feet.
TIP when i feel like i am going to faint i crouch down, as if tying up my shoes,

Diet Coke is Low in Sodium

by NiceNiecey - 2015-03-26 12:03:27

In fact, it's very low. (I'm sorry Artist! I had to contradict you!)
I do agree, however, that it's not the greatest drink out there. The water with lemon is so much more refreshing. HOWEVER, I also LOVE Cherry Coke Zero. My new rule is for every "recreational beverage" I drink, I must also drink a class of water. And cola generally has less caffeine than coffee, which sometimes makes my AF act up.

Because I have diastolic failure and take a diuretic to help with that, I am not supposed to drink tons of fluids.

Check with your doc! I hope someone caught you at Walmart!
Niecey

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