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What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Nausea After Lifting Weights?
Question: I become short of breath when lifting objects over 20 pounds. I also become very nauseated and dizzy. The symptoms are relieved after I rest for 10-15 minutes. My BP and HR remain normal (I checked both). No chest or cardiac pain, no numbing or tingling in arms, no radiation of pain. Just very short of breath, nausea and, dizzy relieved with rest.
One month ago had EKG which was normal. Had cardiac angiogram normal 2 month ago. Both were for anxiety and high blood pressure which is now controlled by metaprolol and xanax. Cardiologist said health is very good "lose some weight." I forgot to mention hernia as it did not become a problem until spring and I began lifting objects and digging with exertion.
One month ago had EKG which was normal. Had cardiac angiogram normal 2 month ago. Both were for anxiety and high blood pressure which is now controlled by metaprolol and xanax. Cardiologist said health is very good "lose some weight." I forgot to mention hernia as it did not become a problem until spring and I began lifting objects and digging with exertion.
Brief Answer:
Seems to because you are overweight.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Hi , I am Dr Anshul Varshney , I have read your query in detail , I understand your concern.
Shortness of breath on exertion is seen in two conditions only:
1. Cardiac Disease
2. Respiratory disease.
You are already Hypertensive male, so you already have an ailment of heart issues. But since your ECG and Coronary Angiography was normal, there is nothing to worry from Cardiac Point of view.
Now comes the respiratory diseases. You have not mentioned about that, so i assume you have no known respiratory disease.
Since you are taking Synthroid, so i suppose that is a cause of you being Overweight.
You have mentioned that you walk at moderate pace 2-3 mile a day without discomfort, but on the other hand you have mentioned that you get short of breath while lifting objects over 20 pounds and also you get nauseous and dizzy.
This can occur only if you are overweight.
Still i would like to know a few more things:
1. Why are you taking Klor-con (that is a pottasium supplement). Did you have ever suffered from hypokalemia due to Hydrochlorothiazide?
2. Do you ever get breathlessness while climbing stairs or walking uphills?
3. Are you a smoker or Ex Smoker?
4. Have you ever got unconscious during the episodes of breathlessness?
5. Do you get Dizziness while you get up from bed and stand up, specially in the morning?
6. How about your Chest Xray.
This is my personal opinion based on details available here. If you still have any query you may please ask me and revert with the answers of these questions preferably in point wise manner.
Stay Healthy.
Dr Anshul Varshney , MD
Seems to because you are overweight.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Hi , I am Dr Anshul Varshney , I have read your query in detail , I understand your concern.
Shortness of breath on exertion is seen in two conditions only:
1. Cardiac Disease
2. Respiratory disease.
You are already Hypertensive male, so you already have an ailment of heart issues. But since your ECG and Coronary Angiography was normal, there is nothing to worry from Cardiac Point of view.
Now comes the respiratory diseases. You have not mentioned about that, so i assume you have no known respiratory disease.
Since you are taking Synthroid, so i suppose that is a cause of you being Overweight.
You have mentioned that you walk at moderate pace 2-3 mile a day without discomfort, but on the other hand you have mentioned that you get short of breath while lifting objects over 20 pounds and also you get nauseous and dizzy.
This can occur only if you are overweight.
Still i would like to know a few more things:
1. Why are you taking Klor-con (that is a pottasium supplement). Did you have ever suffered from hypokalemia due to Hydrochlorothiazide?
2. Do you ever get breathlessness while climbing stairs or walking uphills?
3. Are you a smoker or Ex Smoker?
4. Have you ever got unconscious during the episodes of breathlessness?
5. Do you get Dizziness while you get up from bed and stand up, specially in the morning?
6. How about your Chest Xray.
This is my personal opinion based on details available here. If you still have any query you may please ask me and revert with the answers of these questions preferably in point wise manner.
Stay Healthy.
Dr Anshul Varshney , MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. Varshney, Klor con for potassium loss related to hydrochlorothiazide (no edema anywhere). Minimal breathlessness when climbing stairs or walking up hills unless also carrying objects (grocery for example). Never smoked or drank. Never lost consciousness. Not dizzy when from bed to stand, and, no change in BP from bed, sit, stand position. Chest x-ray normal except for abdominal revealed hernia (cannot recall the type). Synthroid due to radiation-chemo treatment for NHL in 2007, which, destroyed my thyroid. I do not appear or exhibit S/S of anemia. The shortness of breath is intermittent with lifting objects or digging with shovel. I am a Maters prepared Registered Nurse of 30 years (only trying to be helpful to you) and I lean toward a hernia sliding through the diaphragm, intermittently, causing the shortness of breath and severe nausea, which passes with a few minutes rest. I can work out with a punching bag for 10 minutes before tiring, and, this causes no breathlessness or nausea. All recent lab work was normal (CBC, BMP etc). Respectfully, XXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Diaphragmatic Hernia is the cause.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Glad to know that you are also from medical fraternity.
Since you have no breathless on walking, so breathlessness can not be due to cardiac issues.
Now if you see, you have hernia issues that can really cause breathlessness as you also mentioned.
Moreover, sliding diaphragmatic hernia can cause Nausea that you are feeling.
And as you know obesity is a risk factor for hernia, i would advise you following:
1. To reduce your weight.
2. Combination of Pantoprazole and domperidone sustained release once a day.
3. To avoid heavy meals.
4. To walk after meals.
5. To take a surgeon's opinion for Diaphragmatic hernia.
I am sure all this would help you.
If you have any further query please ask me.
Stay Healthy
Dr Anshul Varshney.
Diaphragmatic Hernia is the cause.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Glad to know that you are also from medical fraternity.
Since you have no breathless on walking, so breathlessness can not be due to cardiac issues.
Now if you see, you have hernia issues that can really cause breathlessness as you also mentioned.
Moreover, sliding diaphragmatic hernia can cause Nausea that you are feeling.
And as you know obesity is a risk factor for hernia, i would advise you following:
1. To reduce your weight.
2. Combination of Pantoprazole and domperidone sustained release once a day.
3. To avoid heavy meals.
4. To walk after meals.
5. To take a surgeon's opinion for Diaphragmatic hernia.
I am sure all this would help you.
If you have any further query please ask me.
Stay Healthy
Dr Anshul Varshney.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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