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Faint Feeling After Workout. Have Pacemaker For Sick Sinus Syndrome And Vasovagal Syncope. CTA Shows Prominent Carotid Artery. Have Headache. Related?
Question: Two weeks ago, I was using the treadmill for a light cardio workout. After about 20 minutes, I had to get off, due to feeling like I was going to pass out. My blood pressure was 160/104 after an hour of resting. I tend to run on the low side, and I have a pacemaker for Sick Sinus Syndrome and Vasovagal Syncope, so I went to the ER. By the time I got to the ER, my blood pressure was back to normal, but I had a massive headache. After a CTA, they found that I have a "prominent interior carotid artery XXXXXXX That was the only not normal thing they could find. Today, I walked around with my kids for about an hour, and I now have a massive headache and am utterly exhausted. Are these two things related? What does it mean to have a prominent interior carotid artery?
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
First of all, I would like to reassure you that prominent XXXXXXX carotid artery (ICA) is of no clinical significance. If the ICA is narrowed, then, it can lead to lack of blood flow to brain, and may cause brain stroke.
You most likely have a tendency to get migraine (Vascular headaches), which usually gets aggravated with exercise.
So, there is no need to worry at present. For pain relief, you may take diclofenac or ibuprofen tablets. If the headaches are frequent, then, you may require preventive medications to reduce the frequency of headaches.
I hope it helps.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Thank you for posting your query.
First of all, I would like to reassure you that prominent XXXXXXX carotid artery (ICA) is of no clinical significance. If the ICA is narrowed, then, it can lead to lack of blood flow to brain, and may cause brain stroke.
You most likely have a tendency to get migraine (Vascular headaches), which usually gets aggravated with exercise.
So, there is no need to worry at present. For pain relief, you may take diclofenac or ibuprofen tablets. If the headaches are frequent, then, you may require preventive medications to reduce the frequency of headaches.
I hope it helps.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
What can be done about it? Lately, it has been happening every time I try to exercise. First the headache, followed by feeling lightheaded. I already take naproxen every day for chronic pain.
Thank you for getting back.
You should start preventive medications to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. Options include Topiramate, divalproex, beta blockers, etc.
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
You should start preventive medications to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. Options include Topiramate, divalproex, beta blockers, etc.
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Sorry, one more question. Would this be what causes me to hear my heartbeat in my ear when I lie down? Is there anything to help make that go away? It's extremely difficult to sleep with the constant swishing.
Yes, your current symptoms of hearing your heartbeat in the ear is related.
With the above medications, this symptom would also improve.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
With the above medications, this symptom would also improve.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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