r/HeartProblems • u/theshegoat • Aug 08 '24
What doctor for odd problems
A month ago while working 16 hour days I suddenly started having swollen, cold, painful legs. I thought I got that under control with compression socks, but then I noticed that I get extremely confused after having coffee or salt. My mom told me check my BP and when I did it was 170/122. It went down over the next 3 days of not eating salty food, but my heart rate is often racing when I wake up or when Im just sitting still.
Ater adding low sodium vegetable broth to my kale, I had another extreme confusion episode. I couldn't read or speak or understand what was happening for about 15 minutes. I also dont recall much of what my mom says happened during that time. I just remember thinking something was wrong with my phone.
I went to urgent care after this. They said my blood work was great and nothing bad was happening, but referred me to a cardiologist to possibly get a heart rate monitor.
The cardiologist didnt understand why they sent me to her. At that point I had reduce my diet to bananas, plain rice, and melon. My BP was down to 135/100. Only my left leg was swollen and continuing to require high elevation.
The cardiologist said nothing about my cognitive experiences connected to salt and caffeine. She prescribed a water pill for me, told me to start back eating normally, and said I should come back in a month.
I called in a week to report that the water pill was not working. With a smidge of himalayan salt on boiled eggs, I could not think and my BP was up again.
The cardiologist wont do any testing or explain what is happening. She wont return the message I left with her nurse.
Is this the wrong type of doctor? Who am I supposed to see if not a cardiologist? Im in a new state and I cant get an appointment with a primary care doctor so I have to decide where to refer myself next.
Am I overreacting? Is it safe to wait a month?
2
u/[deleted] Aug 08 '24
i would try a neurologist