Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For High BP And Shortness Of Breath
Question: I just had a stress test and echocardiogram and all came back normal except a little mitral valve regurgitation. I have a little high blood pressure but it's being managed pretty well via Altace. I also have absence seizures but Keppra takes the edge of those issues. My recent problems started after a virus occurred at the end of August. My primary symptom from that has been shortness of breath. But I also have higher blood pressure, some anxiety, and recently tingling under my left foot. My doctor is attributing my symptoms to sleep apnea. I have been diagnosed with that and I don't use the machine cpap. In the past I have managed it with weight control. But, to me, the sudden onset of these other symptoms after the virus points to another source. Any suggestions for further research??
Brief Answer:
yes, some suggestions
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your question.
It is true that untreated sleep apnea can cause many problems in addition to increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke. However, I agree with you that the onset is concerning for another mechanism of disease. I suggest that you have a chest xray and pulmonary function testing if that has not yet been done. This will help make sure that there is no as yet undiagnosed underlying lung disease. If this is not conclusive a chest CT may be needed.
My concerns would be late onset asthma, COPD, pulmonary embolus or pneumonia.
I hope you get answers and relief from your symptoms soon
Dr. Robinson
yes, some suggestions
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your question.
It is true that untreated sleep apnea can cause many problems in addition to increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke. However, I agree with you that the onset is concerning for another mechanism of disease. I suggest that you have a chest xray and pulmonary function testing if that has not yet been done. This will help make sure that there is no as yet undiagnosed underlying lung disease. If this is not conclusive a chest CT may be needed.
My concerns would be late onset asthma, COPD, pulmonary embolus or pneumonia.
I hope you get answers and relief from your symptoms soon
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for your reply. I suppose my doctor didn't order those due to hoe my lungs sounded to him. Thanks again.
Brief Answer:
yes that is probably true
Detailed Answer:
Yes, I agree, but we can just tell so much about the lungs by listening. Since your heart is not the cause of your shortness of breath, I think you need a little more evaluation of the lungs just to make sure that there is nothing wrong that could be treated.
Best to you,
Dr. Robinson
yes that is probably true
Detailed Answer:
Yes, I agree, but we can just tell so much about the lungs by listening. Since your heart is not the cause of your shortness of breath, I think you need a little more evaluation of the lungs just to make sure that there is nothing wrong that could be treated.
Best to you,
Dr. Robinson
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
