Question about vertigo and the heart

[KathyK]

Simple question: can vertigo be caused by/related to a heart problem?

[Flight]

Yes

[KathyK]

OK, so let me elaborate. A week ago, after years of complaining about frequently feeling "light headed," my 96 year-old mother started to experience episodes of full-blown vertigo, the kind where you try to sit up and you get knocked back down. Her PCP is a concierge doctor who I don't think knows what to do, but won't admit it. His first suggestion was to take meclizine, then to take more meclizine. Then he sent her for a CT scan. That's his favorite thing to do, and I'm worried about the radiation she's being exposed to.

My mother had a checkup with her cardiologist last month, and all was well. Her pacemaker was checked at that time, too, and it was fine. But her PCP is telling her to make an appointment to see her cardiologist.

She's had headaches for many, many years, and finally last fall she gave in to my pressure to see a neurologist who is a headache specialist (a fellow dressage rider!). This doctor diagnosed my mother with hypnic headaches, and prescribed some medications. Vertigo doesn't seem to be a symptom associated with hypnic headaches, but I can't help thinking that another visit to the neurologist is in order.

I want to help her, and I want to prevent her having to go to unnecessary appointments. Any advice?

[Josette]

My elderly mother was previously dx with carotid artery blockage several years ago - then age 86. Nothing was done by her cardiologist I suppose because of her age. She then had 2 TIA episodes and was hospitalized. We insisted on cardio evaluation and 2 separate surgeries were performed to unblock her arteries. She was in rehab and so far doing well age 89. (Now on statin and BP med)

[KathyK]

Thanks, Josette. I think I will make arrangements to go to the cardiologist with her.

[Wicky]

You might want to have her seen by an ENT who has an interest in vertigo. There are many possible causes, and a good history can separate out those that are inner ear related from those that are heart related. For example, the room spinning is not typical for heart, greying out and falling down is not typical for inner ear. Depending on what is found, the cardiologist might refer her. A CT scan looks for tumors that can give inner ear problems so that was a good thing to do IMHO - at her age I would never worry about radiation exposure!

[Code3]

My partner is currently having the same symptoms - lightheadedness, shortness of breath, vertigo, headaches. She was diagnosed with carotid artery plaque and is seeing the vascular surgeon on Monday. FWIW her doctor referred her for an MRI of her brain and an ultrasound of her carotid arteries.

[KathyK]

You might want to have her seen by an ENT who has an interest in vertigo. There are many possible causes, and a good history can separate out those that are inner ear related from those that are heart related. For example, the room spinning is not typical for heart, greying out and falling down is not typical for inner ear. Depending on what is found, the cardiologist might refer her. A CT scan looks for tumors that can give inner ear problems so that was a good thing to do IMHO - at her age I would never worry about radiation exposure!

Thanks so much, Wicky.

As for her age, her sister recently celebrated her 100th birthday. My aunt walks 1/2 mile after breakfast every day, doesn't take a pill, and has all her marbles. My mother plays bridge, loves to get decked out and go to dinner, and (gulp) still drives for short distances. I think my mom has some miles left in her, so I do worry a bit about the radiation.

[Mirabella]

You might want to have her seen by an ENT who has an interest in vertigo. There are many possible causes, and a good history can separate out those that are inner ear related from those that are heart related. For example, the room spinning is not typical for heart, greying out and falling down is not typical for inner ear. Depending on what is found, the cardiologist might refer her. A CT scan looks for tumors that can give inner ear problems so that was a good thing to do IMHO - at her age I would never worry about radiation exposure!

Thanks so much, Wicky.

As for her age, her sister recently celebrated her 100th birthday. My aunt walks 1/2 mile after breakfast every day, doesn't take a pill, and has all her marbles. My mother plays bridge, loves to get decked out and go to dinner, and (gulp) still drives for short distances. I think my mom has some miles left in her, so I do worry a bit about the radiation.

Listen to Wicky - she gave you good advice.

[KathyK]

You might want to have her seen by an ENT who has an interest in vertigo. There are many possible causes, and a good history can separate out those that are inner ear related from those that are heart related. For example, the room spinning is not typical for heart, greying out and falling down is not typical for inner ear. Depending on what is found, the cardiologist might refer her. A CT scan looks for tumors that can give inner ear problems so that was a good thing to do IMHO - at her age I would never worry about radiation exposure!

Thanks so much, Wicky.

As for her age, her sister recently celebrated her 100th birthday. My aunt walks 1/2 mile after breakfast every day, doesn't take a pill, and has all her marbles. My mother plays bridge, loves to get decked out and go to dinner, and (gulp) still drives for short distances. I think my mom has some miles left in her, so I do worry a bit about the radiation.

Listen to Wicky - she gave you good advice.

I know Wicky is a physician. Are you?