Lyme Carditis Caused Sudden Collapse in 39-Year-Old Man
Lyme carditis can cause fainting, bradycardia, and heart block.
A vaccine expert describes his son’s sudden collapse from Lyme disease.
The case highlights how Lyme exposure may occur close to home.
“One day, when traveling in California for a meeting, I received a call informing me that one of my sons, then aged 39, had been walking his dog when he collapsed into unconsciousness with a heart rate of 35/minute and had been taken to a local hospital,” writes Plotkin.¹ A Lyme infection was suspected.
His son was diagnosed immediately by a cardiologist familiar with Lyme disease.
“My son Alec received a pacemaker and, of course, an intravenous antibiotic,” writes Plotkin. “Fortunately, he has recovered, but his experience convinced me that a cavalier attitude towards Lyme infection is misplaced.”
Lyme carditis can lead to serious cardiac complications including severe bradycardia, heart block, fainting, and rhythm disturbances. Learn more in our Lyme carditis guide.
Furthermore, “An aspect of Alec’s case is instructive in that he was not exposed in the woods or someplace where ticks are an obvious hazard but within sight of his own house.”
Some people don’t get Lyme disease until they GET Lyme disease.
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References:
- Plotkin SA. Lemons and Lyme. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 2018;7(4):267-269.
Dr. Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH
Lyme disease clinician with over 30 years of experience and past president of ILADS.
Symptoms • Testing • Coinfections • Recovery • Pediatric • Prevention
THIS DISEASE IS GETTING OUT OF HAND- I HOPE THAT THIS CORONAVIRUS WILL MAKE DOCTORS REALISE JUST WHAT LYME PATIENTS GO THROUGH>
I have been suffering 11 yrs with post lyme and am asking as an affected disabled R.N. does any one know when human trials will start with Azlocillin ?
I discussed Azlocillin use in a test tube and mice. I have not heard of any studies in humans.
I would love to try that drug too!
I am anxiously awaiting azlocillin too!