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What Causes Breathlessness In A Person Suffering From Anxiety?
Question: I am 47 female who had a double bypass 10 years ago. I have a stressful job and find myself short of breathe. Not from activity but when sitting working. I walk around without feeling tired. I also suffer from anxiety. Went to ER Monday and EKG was normal. (It was normal prior to my bypass) Er doc ran labs and showed me that my Troponin I level in 2014 was <0.01 ng/mL. in 2016 it is now 0.01 ng/mL. I had a pain in left arm he diagnosed with tendonitis. No sweeling in feet. stomach ache on and off. skipped heart beat with no racing heart. No dizziness. no fainting. In reviewing reason for ER visit was Acute chest pain. I never said I was having chest pain. I was short of breath. His discharge reason was chest pain non cardio. As I was leaving he said I needed to get checked out because shortness of breath could be someone else's chest oain. WOW. Currently my med insurance has changed my pcp from a gentleman taking care of me for the last 20 years to a new PCP. I cant even get a retuirn phone call from her office. So.....should I be alarmed? Am I having heart issues?
Brief Answer:
typically heart symptoms occur with activity when heart working harder
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned especially with a previous history of bypass surgery but the symptoms do not sound typically cardiac.
As you would know, the heart works to pump oxygenated blood (blood full with oxygen) throughout the body.
When we are active, the heart has to work harder as compared to situations when we are sitting or laying still.
During activity , the heart is therefore under more stress, this is the time that symptoms should occur eg shortness of breath.
Shortness of breath that occurs at rest and not during activity when the heart is working harder, is not likely cardiac.
Shortness of breath can also be related to issues of the lungs or anemia (low hemoglobin) so you can consider ruling these out with a chest x ray and complete blood count.
If these are also normal then it is possible that it may be related to your anxiety which can also cause this symptom.
When you do hear from your doctor, you can discuss the possibility of additional testing.
I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions
typically heart symptoms occur with activity when heart working harder
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned especially with a previous history of bypass surgery but the symptoms do not sound typically cardiac.
As you would know, the heart works to pump oxygenated blood (blood full with oxygen) throughout the body.
When we are active, the heart has to work harder as compared to situations when we are sitting or laying still.
During activity , the heart is therefore under more stress, this is the time that symptoms should occur eg shortness of breath.
Shortness of breath that occurs at rest and not during activity when the heart is working harder, is not likely cardiac.
Shortness of breath can also be related to issues of the lungs or anemia (low hemoglobin) so you can consider ruling these out with a chest x ray and complete blood count.
If these are also normal then it is possible that it may be related to your anxiety which can also cause this symptom.
When you do hear from your doctor, you can discuss the possibility of additional testing.
I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your reply. I feel a little better, but still find myself deep sighing. I have had a headache that is usually alleviated with Aleve, but is lingering. I went for a massage to release tension in my neck and back. This did help, but I do have bruises from the massage. Assuming this whole situation is related to anxiety, what is the best way to deal with it? I don't have energy at all. In fact I have been working from home for the last two days. Any recommendations for supplements or vitamins?
Brief Answer:
headache may be related to tension
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Sorry about the delayed reply
The headache may be linked to your anxiety/tension, this is a common cause of headache. If you have any activities that relax you eg gardening, music, reading etc, you should try it to see if it helps you
In terms of supplements: B vitamins, particulary b12, Co enzyme q, ginseng may help with energy levels in some persons though it would take a while for any vitamin/supplement to have an effect
Please feel free to ask anything else
headache may be related to tension
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Sorry about the delayed reply
The headache may be linked to your anxiety/tension, this is a common cause of headache. If you have any activities that relax you eg gardening, music, reading etc, you should try it to see if it helps you
In terms of supplements: B vitamins, particulary b12, Co enzyme q, ginseng may help with energy levels in some persons though it would take a while for any vitamin/supplement to have an effect
Please feel free to ask anything else
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have been experiencing headaches when standing up and lying down. Still getting heart palpitations with less frequency. I have my pinkie and ring fingers in my left arm numb. Not sure if this could be related to a nerve problem. I will be looking ino yoga for relaxation. Started to take vitamin b12 as suggested. More energy, but still tired as heck. I am pretty convinced its anxiety. I was sitting in restaurant last night and felt a feeling of dread. My heart raced and I felt a sense of being out of control. My husband sat across from me, but I think I hid this from him well. He didn't notice. I keep telling myself if this is truly anxiety, nothing is going to happen. Calm down and everything will be ok. Ate dinner and walked back to our car. Now I felt out of breath walking and felt a burning coming up in my throat. This scared me as this is what preceded my heart incident 10 years ago Have had a headache on and off Taking Aleve to take it away. This works for a short time, but when I stand headache comes back again. Woke up several times last night with headache. Have been fine most of the day and then again headache comes on sudden. What causes headaches when standing?
Brief Answer:
rule out change in blood pressure on standing
Detailed Answer:
HI
There is a particular classification of the types of headaches called the international classification of headaches.
It includes most or all of the types of headaches.
Based on your description, the headache may be due to different possible causes that can be checked by your doctor eg(1`) postural hypotension- this means a possible drop in blood pressure on standing, this can cause headaches in some persons
(2)primary exertional headache- this is a headache that occurs with exertion though usually more activity is required
(3) there is also a classification for headaches due to any emotional/psyh issues as well but again this should not be only on standing
Your doctor can check your blood pressure and pulse in the sitting and standing positions to try to rule out postural causes
If anything else unclear, can let me know
rule out change in blood pressure on standing
Detailed Answer:
HI
There is a particular classification of the types of headaches called the international classification of headaches.
It includes most or all of the types of headaches.
Based on your description, the headache may be due to different possible causes that can be checked by your doctor eg(1`) postural hypotension- this means a possible drop in blood pressure on standing, this can cause headaches in some persons
(2)primary exertional headache- this is a headache that occurs with exertion though usually more activity is required
(3) there is also a classification for headaches due to any emotional/psyh issues as well but again this should not be only on standing
Your doctor can check your blood pressure and pulse in the sitting and standing positions to try to rule out postural causes
If anything else unclear, can let me know
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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