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What Causes Cardiac Arrhythmia Accompanied With Transient Vision Loss?
Posted on
Wed, 18 May 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 18 May 2016
Answered on
Sat, 25 Jun 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : I sometimes have a heart flutter, arythmia type thing. I've been told by dr. that it's not uncommon. This morning I had something a little different. It felt like a regular flutter, but it seemed to last longer and I felt my vision start to darken, thought I was going to pass out. I sat there for a few seconds, waiting for it to pass, and then I realized it was as if I had suddenly been asleep, or having REM sleep. My brain wasn't all there, what was on TV at the time seemed like part of my dream, until I just suddenly woke up. And everything has been normal since then.
Brief Answer:
A test is recommended
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern.
Yes, normally these bursts of arrythmia, such as atrial flutter/fibrillation may be accompanied with those symptoms. Although not uncommon, I think at least we should see and document these episodes, to further determine the strategies of treatment and prevention. Therefore, I would recommend you some tests, also basing this on your age:
- EKG - to assess whether there is any abnormality in the heart electrical and conduction systems of the heart
- an echo cardiogram - basically to evaluate heart chambers and valves by means of size and function mainly, to determine whether this is the origin of these bursts
- a 24-hour Holter rhythm monitor - which enhances our chances to "capture" these episodes and strictly determine to what they are
- a thyroid function profile panel: TSH, fT3, fT4.
It is after these tests are done, when we can further make a strategy about treatment or prevention of the original pathology, if any, and/or the symptoms.
I hope my answer is helpful. I am happy to help, if you have follow-up questions
Best regards,
Dr. Meriton
A test is recommended
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern.
Yes, normally these bursts of arrythmia, such as atrial flutter/fibrillation may be accompanied with those symptoms. Although not uncommon, I think at least we should see and document these episodes, to further determine the strategies of treatment and prevention. Therefore, I would recommend you some tests, also basing this on your age:
- EKG - to assess whether there is any abnormality in the heart electrical and conduction systems of the heart
- an echo cardiogram - basically to evaluate heart chambers and valves by means of size and function mainly, to determine whether this is the origin of these bursts
- a 24-hour Holter rhythm monitor - which enhances our chances to "capture" these episodes and strictly determine to what they are
- a thyroid function profile panel: TSH, fT3, fT4.
It is after these tests are done, when we can further make a strategy about treatment or prevention of the original pathology, if any, and/or the symptoms.
I hope my answer is helpful. I am happy to help, if you have follow-up questions
Best regards,
Dr. Meriton
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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