But the pain came back severe, with lightheadedness, sweating, nausea, and my sight was fading. It really scared me. When they took me to their on sight care unit my blood pressure had dropped significantly. Normally my blood pressure runs 115/80. Yesterday it was 90/60. Any thoughts?
Thank you Niranjana, I will
I should add to my answer above that we women have atypical or unusual symptoms with angina or heart attacks, and we often don't have chest pain.
Also, if these symptoms recur and last more than 5 minutes, please go to the ER!
Linda, there are a few possibilities. This could have been angina, or insufficient blood flow to the heart, which can cause neck pain and the other symptoms you describe. If you were massaging the side of your neck, it's possible you hit the carotid sinus region, which triggers a vagal response and can cause faintness and a drop in your BP. A cervical spine issue is also possible.
Please be checked out by your doctor ASAP! It's worthwhile having an EKG done, which your rheumatologist typically can't do. I would suggest starting with your internist first.
I had a follow-up visit with my family doctor, he is having me see a cardiologist.
I also had an appointment with my neurologist and he is ordering an MRI to check the white matter on my brain to make sure it hasn't gotten larger.
He also wants me to start taking baby aspirin.
I will keep everyone posted.
Have you journaled this episode for future reference? It's also good to have when you follow up with your care team.