I have a question about my uncle. I dont have a lot of details though. He has a history of cardiac problems, including open heart surgery. He is on many cardiac meds for the last several years. Recently he has been experiencing episodes of dizziness where he just about blacks out. He has been to the ER 3 times in the past week and the doctors just keep saying its syncope. I am not convinced that there isnt something else wrong, perhaps related to his cardiac history. Any ideas on what may cause this? Also the other symptom he is having is blotchy, red skin. He is sweaty, and clammy.. and shivering. And extremely tired. BS was 119 non fasting.
His symptoms are due to worsening of his heart condition until proven otherwise. Therefore, he needs to see his cardiology or be seen at a heart hospital immediately. He should have an ultrasound of this heart, routine blood work screening, EKG, and medication reconciliation. If those are unremarkable, then he needs a stress test. It is important to distinguish between vertigo, presyncope (patient feels like they are going to black out; vision and hearing may become obscured), disequilibrium (off balance), and light-headedness (vague, inconsistent symptoms, no rotational component). Vertigo is the sensation of movement ("room spinning") when no movement is actually occurring; results from peripheral or central causes or may be induced by medications/anxiety disorders.