LIght Headed When Standing Up

[Motox-z]

On 03/14/08 I had AVR and a section of my ascending aorta replaced at the Cleveland Clinic. So far my recovery has been great with no bumps in the road, as I have no pain, walk 40 -60 mintes twice a day, and do easy house work. I saw my cardio early last week and he said everything looks and sounds good, I also completed a 6 minute tread mill test on Monday with flying colors to start cardio rehab.

However, over the past few days I get dizzy for about 5 -10 seconds when standing up (I only recall the dizzy spells in first couple of weeks of Post Op). I am on the same meds as before the surgery - Metoprol and Altace. Have most people experience some light headieness when standing up? My next cardio appointment is on 04/28 and that time I will have a echo completed.

I would also I like to once again thank everyone for ther support leading up and during my surgery.

 

[Motox-z]

I also should add that generally my BP is a little higher than 120/80. Average BP is 126 / 83 with pulse of 70 -85.

 

[Gusdog]

I've experienced the same thing, as did my dad after his Bentall procedure. Even though you were on Metoprolol prior to surgery, I would still guess that's the likely culprit. I would say that, as you are less than a month post-op, it's not abnormal to have some dizziness. Have some patience w/ your body; it's been through a lot.

That having been said, if it bothers you too much, call your cardio.

Adam

 

[Bill M]

Could be dehydration. Are you drinking enough water. Dehydration will lower your heart rate causing dizzyness when first standing.

 

[Freddie]

Metoprolol caused me to have dizzy spells, but much later in my recovery - like 7 months post-op. It very well could be dehydration - make sure your drinking enough and try taking a deep breath and exhale before getting up from a sitting position.

If things don't improve, call your doctor. Don't wait too long

Take Care

 

[ALCapshaw2]

It would be prudent to at least notify your Cardiologist and/or PCP by calling their respective offices and ask to speak with a Nurse.

Low Blood Pressure is a common cause.
So are medications.

Getting up SLOWLY is often recommended.
Or moving your arms / legs to get your BP up before standing.

FALLING (fainting) from a standing position is NOT a Good Thing!

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Philip B]

Head Stuff

Head Stuff

Your blood pressure stuff sounds pretty good. You're in a similar zone as I'm in and my cardio doc is really happy with my numbers. My resting heart rate is just a little lower at 60-70.

I would definately visit with your cardio doc about the light-headedness. If your BP meds are the culprit, there are other meds available which may not present the issues you are having.

-Philip

 

[CHDDoug]

Yep...

Yep...

After my AVR, I too had dizzy spells when I stood up. They would last for about 5 seconds and then go away. When I had my 4 week check-up, I asked my cardio as well as the surgeon's nurse about them. They both said that they were normal and were due to the beta blocker that I was taking...
Atenolol...even though I was on the same dosage before surgery as I am now. Hmmm. Anyway, they said that it was normal. I'm 8 weeks post op now and haven't noticed that I've gotten dizzy anymore...except when going into a big coughing spell. Other than that, I think you are OK...may mention something to your cardio just to be safe. By the way, my BP is typically 115/70 and pulse around 75.

Take care!

 

[Magic8Ball]

Not sure about the names of the meds you are on but i was on Antenol post surgery and had dizzy spells when standing up.

I spoke to cardio and he stopped the antenol and put me on Bicor....no more dizzy spells.

Some people take to beta blockers differently and certain ones take to different people.

Have a word and try a different flavour.

 

[tcopel]

Orthostatic hypotension, or a sense of lightheadness when standing, is a reflection of decreased blood pressure to the brain. We all have had it on occassion even before our heart surgery to a mild degree. Like suddenly jumping off the couch after laying there watching a lengthy football game and having just a few seconds of dizziness (and it wasnt the bud light beer).

After having heart surgery and being replumbed, and then implemented on beta blockers which slow the heart rate so that it has difficulty in compensating for the change in body positioin, it isnt unusual.

Also possibly compounding the problems with orthostatic hypotension, is that people weight could have changed or that the salt content in their diet may have changed after the surgery. These can potentially contribute to changes in blood pressures regulation or the effectiveness of the BP meds.

Needless to say, it is important to bounce this off your doc. I think it happens a lot post op, but nothing like having your doc check you out