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Suggest Treatment For Light-headedness, Shortness Of Breath And Palpitations

Posted on Mon, 12 Oct 2015

Question: Hi Dr. Rynne,
I am wondering if you can tell me what to ask my doctors when I see them and whether I should try to see someone sooner?
I was taking 40mg of celexa for mild depression and omeprezalome for a hiatal hernia only to find out they are contraindicated. My symptoms were and are:
lightheaded and dizziness, shortness of breath, food just feels like it sits in my stomach, tingling in the extremities, exhaustion, and heart palpations when I lie down, constant burping and a rash on my back.
I had an ECG on Wednesday and the clinic called and said I had an abnormal reading.
Electrical conduction delay in the right ventricle and ST-T wave abnormality
They want me to see a heart doctor and I cannot get an appointment till October 21.
Medical history is that I have had scarlet fever two years ago and pneumonia last year.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

After reviewing your data I would like to say that your symptoms seems to be related to gastrointestinal problems (acid reflux disease). This is why I recommended to do upper endoscopy and abdominal ultrasound.

However it's very important to exclude other lifethreatening disorders especially cardiac problems. This is why I strongly recommend to do also ecg, cardiac echo and chest x ray.

Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (9 minutes later)

Yes, thank you. I had an upper and lower endoscopy done 8 months ago and everything was normal except of course for the hiatal hernia and the tortuous colon. But we did not discuss an ultrasound. I will ask about that. I will make sure the cardia echo and chest x ray are done.
What questions should I ask the heart doctor? I just wonder how serious this is? And should I try to get an appointment earlier than October 21?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice.

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

You should schedule an appointment with your cardiologist, but there's no need to rush. You should ask him about overall cardiac status (if your heart is ok)

For the moment can you upload the ecg image for me? This way I may check it by my self.

Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (23 hours later)

Dear Dr. Shehu,
Unfortunately I do not have an image of the ECG image. I have found a very reputable cardiologist near me who can see me on Tuesday. I have had my doctor fax the info to him. I will ask if I can get a copy for myself. I am also bringing a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements as well as medical history.
These are the questions I will ask him:
What is the overall cardiac status of my heart?
Would I change my diet, exercise? Anything I should not be doing physically?
What may have caused this?
What will the plan forward be?

Any other questions/comments?
Thank you so much for your time.
Sincerely,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following answer to your queries...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

First of all is a good thing that you will do cardiologist consultation on Tuesday. This will help to relieve your concerns which is of great help in relieving your symptoms.

I would like to suggest to ask him about lifestyle change (including diet, physical activity).

You should keep in mind that you should do the mentioned examinations before a cardiologist answer your questions. This examinations are essential to determine your cardiac health and what types of lifestyle changes or treatment strategy are needed.

Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar