How Can Muscle Cramps In My Calf, Heaviness In The Body, Sweating And Cold Be Treated?

Posted on Mon, 27 Jun 2022

Question: Woke up with calf muscle cramp. Couldn't massage it out. Went to urinate, and before starting my body got very heavy, started sweating, cold, clammy head, and I fell on the floor. Husband came in and wouldn't let me pass out. Knew where I was, etc. Took a bit to get me back "online." Went to bed after and woke up feeling just tired. Cancelled my gym class for the day, just in case.

57 yo female, general good health, no outstanding issues. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Your symptoms could be related to low blood pressure or orthostatic hypotension. Ambien intake and dehydration (increased sweating or low fluid intake) could have contributed in all this clinical situation. Besides, you should know that during urination the vagus nerve is activated, which may lead to low blood pressure or even fainting. Hence, in my opinion nothing serious is going on.

I would just recommend you to regularly monitor your blood pressure and take plenty of fluids in the next days. It is also necessary avoiding taking Ambien. If these episodes occur again, I would recommend as follows consulting with your attending physician and performing some tests:

- Complete blood count for anemia
- Blood electrolytes
- A resting ECG
- Fasting glucose

A Head Up Tilt test for orthostatic hypotension may be needed.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Regards,
Dr. Iliri

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D