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What Causes Elevated Heart Rate And Shortness Of Breath?

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Posted on Wed, 23 Sep 2015
Question: Recently I have gotten easily winded even by just walking for a couple of minutes. My resting heart rate while sitting at my desk was normally 60-65 but today it was 75-80. Walking 2-3 minutes into work my heart rate jumped to 115 and I feel slightly out of breath. What could this mean? I am a 36 year old female otherwise healthy, not active 5'5 and weigh 178, blood pressure is normal usually 110/70. Just recently wore a halter monitor for two weeks and it was normal
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Needs further work up for Dyspnea. Anemia, pulmonary causes, Obesity

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. Shortness of breath has multiple causes. Heart problems are on top of the list. With your holter monitor, blood pressure and normal heart rate ( up to 100 per minute is normal) rules out any cardiac involvement. Perfusion study like echocardiogram would be wise for complete peace of mind.

I believe at the age of just 36 its not the heart which is causing this shortness of breath, In women commonest cause is anemia so i would like you to have a complete blood picture and rule out any anemic cause.

Other possibility which is very likely is the overweight status and BMI of 29.6 in your case. Obesity is the commonest cause of shortness of breath and present in the very same way.

Respiratory functions assessment for asthma, COPD, embolism or infection etc need to be assessed as well .

Nutshell shortness of breath needs to be evaluated for its likely cause , very unlikely to be cardiac in your case . Other etiologies need to be considered.

Dizziness is merely a presentation associated with this dyspnea episode and not a separate entity. Just take some antivert for the relief. Focus on losing weight. use high protein low carb diet and drink cold water 500 ml at least before every meal for satiety, exercise regularly and restrict caloric intake to 2000 kcal a day and no more.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (46 minutes later)
Thank you. I have been extremely tired, sweat easily and losing some hair as well in the shower. Not sure if these additional symptoms may help narrow it down?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (1 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Anemia likely

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back

Extreme fatigue, losing hair easily and easy sweating makes it more nutritional and that highlights anemia as the cause. So my suspicions are getitng stronger. Do as directed by getting evaluated and we all will have our answers.

Regards
Khan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (26 minutes later)
I guess my main concern is that just over the last day or two, my resting hesrt rate has increases by about 15-20 beats a minute plus the shortness of breath which was my main concern. Can anemia or hormones cause something like that tohappen
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (1 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Yes it can

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back to me

Yes anemia and hormones can both cause raised heart beat. But anything between 60 and 100 is perfectly acceptable and not to be worried about.

Regards
Khan
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

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What Causes Elevated Heart Rate And Shortness Of Breath?

Brief Answer: Needs further work up for Dyspnea. Anemia, pulmonary causes, Obesity Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking I read your question and i understand your concern. Shortness of breath has multiple causes. Heart problems are on top of the list. With your holter monitor, blood pressure and normal heart rate ( up to 100 per minute is normal) rules out any cardiac involvement. Perfusion study like echocardiogram would be wise for complete peace of mind. I believe at the age of just 36 its not the heart which is causing this shortness of breath, In women commonest cause is anemia so i would like you to have a complete blood picture and rule out any anemic cause. Other possibility which is very likely is the overweight status and BMI of 29.6 in your case. Obesity is the commonest cause of shortness of breath and present in the very same way. Respiratory functions assessment for asthma, COPD, embolism or infection etc need to be assessed as well . Nutshell shortness of breath needs to be evaluated for its likely cause , very unlikely to be cardiac in your case . Other etiologies need to be considered. Dizziness is merely a presentation associated with this dyspnea episode and not a separate entity. Just take some antivert for the relief. Focus on losing weight. use high protein low carb diet and drink cold water 500 ml at least before every meal for satiety, exercise regularly and restrict caloric intake to 2000 kcal a day and no more. I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please. Regards Khan