What Causes Rapid Heart Beat, Fainting, Lightheadedness, Fatigue And Fluctuating BP Levels?

Posted on Tue, 1 Aug 2017

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

Mon, 31 Jul 2017 Answered on

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been experiencing feeling of rapid heart beat, faintness, light headed, fatigue, blood pressure goes up & down, cannot do anything because of fatigue etc. Have been to ER 2xs, had stress test, echocardiogram, holter monitor for 48 hrs., and a bone scan. All tests have come back ok. I had a heartattack in 2002, cancer in 2002, Have gained about 15 lbs. since the 1st of the year. I am tired of hearing doctors do not know what is wrong with me. Do you have any ideas?

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (-3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rule out Pheochromocytoma

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HealthcareMagic

Sice you have already undergone extensive investigations to rule out cardiac problems, now the possibility of Pheochromocytoma needs to be ruled out.
Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal gland, usually benign in nature.
The tumor secretes catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine) into blood causing Intermittent increase in heart rate, blood pressure, dizziness etc.
24-hour urinary and blood catecholamine levels, Urinary metanephrines, Urinary VMA levels are required to screen for the presence of Pheochromocytoma.
MRI scan of the abdomen can confirm the tumor.
Management is by surgical removal of the tumor.

Please be advised to follow up with your primary care provider for discussing this possibility further management.

Hope this answers your question
Please address further questions here
Regards,
Dr.Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T