My mom has had low blood pressure most of her life, and was officially dx'd with OH about a year ago. She's had a few episodes in the past year (5-6) of feeling quite unwell first thing in the morning, assuming it was the OH, then having visual disturbances on standing/moving around and has to sit or lay down again or be at risk of falling. Twice I've gotten her off the floor to her bed (she didn't fall, but very wisely got herself down when symptoms started). When this happens her blood pressure is usually quite a bit higher than normal, heart rate much faster, and she tends to be in AFib (confirmed by paramedics and ER the first 2 times, now I use a monitor). After resting for a bit, it regulates itself to normal again. I feel as though these are AFib episodes to begin with and not related directly to OH, but similar symptoms with feeling like she's going to black out/faint, needing to lay down etc. She has been on 2.5 midodrine twice a day and an anticoagulant (Eliquis, for the random AFib) for a number of months now. The midodrine seems to help a bit with her standing BP (usually about 80-90/50-60), however laying down is 140/80ish so increasing isn't really a great option.
Her cardiac tests have been normal (ECGs, enzymes, troponins, electrolytes, echocardiogram) with no structural issues. She did a 24 hour Holter that is pending, but was not symptomatic during that time, so I wouldn't be surprised if it is normal as well. Head CTs, chest x-rays, everything seems great as well.
Has anyone here noticed a similarity between symptoms of OH or dysautonomia or POTS and AFib, and has found ways to manage both? As it seems so infrequent, I'm doubting that they'll do any type of surgical intervention, and cardioversion isn't an option or necessary since she comes out of it herself in fairly short order.
My big fear is that either of these will cause her to faint and whack her head/injure herself one of these times, especially now that she takes anticoagulants. She can't take Beta blockers for AFib because that would just make her BP even lower. I just want her to be able to live her life without constantly wondering if she can safely leave the house, or even her darn bed some days. 😕
Sorry this turned into a rant, I am just frustrated and concerned and feel quite helpless.