I Am Diabetic, Overweight, Have High BP. Suddenly Fainted. Started Feeling Dizzy And Weakness. Concerned

Posted on Wed, 1 Aug 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 1 Aug 2012 Answered on

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband 59 had an event tonight of feeling faint which caused him to drop to the floor so he would not fall. He felt dizzy and weak. His blood pressure was 195/110, 184/113. He immediately took a double dose of 10mg Bystolic. Another Bp reading 2 and a half hrs later was 164/95. Please advise on risks. He is diabetic and overweight. This is the second time this has happened in a month.

Answered by Dr. Mayank Bhargava (22 minutes later)

Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for posting your query.
Fainting attacks are common in diabetic and hypertensive patients.
Few causes are: Hypoglycemia, cerebrovascular accidents, sudden blood pressure drop, Autonomic neuropathy induced fainting attack.
Hypoglycemia are common in diabetic patient and they are not aware of hypoglycemia because of autonomic neuropathy.
Cerebrovascular accidents in form of transient ischemic attacks (TIA) may cause fainting attacks. some emboli may originate from heart/ carotid artery bifurcation and may cause fainting. Thrombus formation are common in diabetic and hypertensive patients.
If patient has associated heart disease then there may be risk of fainting attack.
Autonomic neuropathy may also cause fainting attack on standing from sitting/ lying posture.
He must take sufficient medicine for blood pressure control and it must be controlled range.
You should go for Blood sugar, CT/ MRI scan brain, serum creatinine, blood urea, 2 D Echo study of heart, Color doppler study of carotid artery. serum lipid profile.
You should also consult with physician/ endocrinologist.
Put your views if you have.
Best regards,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mayank Bhargava (23 hours later)

Thank you for your prompt response. My husband's doctor has not suggested a CT or MRI. I will request that it be done. Small partical LDL is very high. Total cholesterol is 160 due to effect of statin medication. Triglycerides are normal. HDL is 34(low). He is on four different BP medications and a diuretic. Your suggestion of a doppler and echo is wise. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Mayank Bhargava (28 minutes later)

Hi,
Thanks for appreciating.
Let me know the result of prescribed investigation.
All the best,
Sincerely,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar