What's wrong with my Dad?

Question

My stepmom called me tonight in tears. She said my Dad was not feeling well and he needed an ambulance but he refused to let her call. I went over there, and he was slumped on the table. She was holding an icepack on his neck. He was sweating profusely, shaking, and all he kept saying was "I just need to go to sleep"... We took his blood pressure and it was 59/35. We took him to the ER, and I had to leave because I had my very cranky and tired 2 year old with me. This was hours ago, and my stepmom said they still haven't said anything about what could be wrong. They are going to do x-rays, catscans, and all kinds of other tests. Are there any doctors or nurses that can clue me in? I'm so worried, my stomach is turning. I'm not ready to loose my dad.

I should add that he is on meds for high blood pressure and cholesterol. He is also very active.

Answer 1

It's possible that he's had a heart attack. I had one in June of 2006 and had the same symptoms. I wouldn't worry too much because if he made it to the hospital then he's in good hands. In my case i had a 99% blockage on the lower left side of my heart. They put 2 stents in and now i'm as good as new. Of course, i too am now taking meds for blood pressure and cholesterol but i feel great. Try not to worry. They will let you know when they are sure of what's the matter.

Answer 2

I'm so sorry you're going through this crisis, it can be so stressful. Hang in there, they'll more than likely find the cause.
I think the sweating and shaking is caused from low blood pressure. They'll more than likely find the cause as to why it dropped so don't worry. Many things can cause your blood pressure to drop. Anything from a stroke, to internal bleeding, to heart failure. But don't assume it's something like this, wait until the Doctor gives you a diagnosis. Personally, it sounds like he might have had a stroke. They don't have to be fatal, many people survive them so don't panic. Whatever the cause, they'll find it through all the tests they'll do on him. You're in my prayers and I hope all will turn out well.

Answer 3

Sounds like it could well have been a mild stroke. Had a very similar thing in Aug with my father in law. At least he's in the best place for any treatment that he may need. Try not too worry too much he's in good hands and most people fully recover from a stroke.

Hope he gets better soon.

Best wishes

Answer 4

Being able to recognize the signs that someone is experiencing a myocardial infarction is important for making sure appropriate care is provided in a timely manner. Patients have a very high survival rate if they are admitted to a hospital, but hundreds of thousands of Americans die each year from heart attacks before the ever reach a medical center.


That's why i firmly believed that you are not going to lose your beloved Daddy. because you got him in the hospital in time. He doesn't have the classical signs and symptoms of a stroke. Otherwise he won't be able to communicate and have some sort of paralysis. Besides, in my dealing with patients having a stroke, their initial complaint is headache and visual problems. And believe it or not, their blood pressure tend to be on the high side. i also took care of my father who had a stroke x2. No, your father suffered a mild heart attack or M I ( Myocardial infarction)



Myocardial infarction is the necrosis of a section of heart muscle tissue, most commonly from coronary occlusion. Often referred to as a heart attack, myocardial infarction occurs suddenly, but is usually the result of long-term conditions.


Typically the coronary arteries are thickened with cholesterol plaques over the course of many years, increasingly narrowing the lumenal space. The rupture of a plaque can result in the formation of a blood clot, which causes complete occlusion of the arterial lumen if it grows too large, blocking the flow of blood and the oxygen it contains to the heart.


Scientist have not yet determined exactly what causes plaques to rupture, but a number of risk factors for myocardial infarction have been identified, including diabetes, smoking, inactivity, being overweight, high LDL and low HDL cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and increased adrenaline.



The most common symptoms of myocardial infarction include chest pain or pressure that may radiate into the jaw, shoulders, arms, or back, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, LOW BLOOD PRESSURE, quickened pulse, lightheadedness or sleepiness; weakness, SWEATING, and anxiety. The severity of such indicators can vary significantly depending upon the extent of heart tissue affected. Some individuals may experience such mild symptoms that they do not realize that anything serious is wrong, resulting in what is often called a silent heart attack.

Another medical term for this is -Cardiogenic shock with that very low blood pressure.

Most likely, the doctors will give him blood thinners such as Heparin drip and Morphine for his chest pains Don't worry he's in good hands; being admitted to a coronary care unit(CCU).. It's very impt that you try to allay yours and his anxiety. Stress can be a # 1 killer in the first few hrs. of the critical stage he is in.

Answer 5

He may have accidentally taken an extra pill or so of his blood pressure medicine. If that ends up being the case, get one of those daily pill boxes, someone else fill it, and keep a check to make sure he is taking his pills. I hope he is okay.

Answer 6

You wont necessarily lose your dad. Now take a deep breath , and calm down. He is at the hospital and thats the best place for him to be. I know you are beside yourself with worry but you wont do anyone any good if you get sick too.

Answer 7

Probably had a stroke. Sometimes BP can drop after a CVA. Hope he's OK.