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What Causes Shortness Of Breath In An Elderly Person?
Question: I am 92 years old and reciently have developed a shortness of breath. it clears up when I rest for a short period
Brief Answer:
I would recommend performing some tests.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for asking on HCM!
I would explain that his symptoms could be related to heart failure or coronary artery disease.
This situation could also be caused by chronic anemia or a chronic lung disease.
For this reason, I would recommend consulting with his attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests:
- a chest x-ray study and respiratory function tests to exclude a possible lung disease
- a resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound
- NT pro - BNP levels for possible heart failure
- complete blood count for anemia
- kidney and liver function tests
- blood electrolytes.
An optimization of his therapy may be needed ( adding a diuretic).
You should discuss with his doctor on the above issues!
Hope to have been helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend performing some tests.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for asking on HCM!
I would explain that his symptoms could be related to heart failure or coronary artery disease.
This situation could also be caused by chronic anemia or a chronic lung disease.
For this reason, I would recommend consulting with his attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests:
- a chest x-ray study and respiratory function tests to exclude a possible lung disease
- a resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound
- NT pro - BNP levels for possible heart failure
- complete blood count for anemia
- kidney and liver function tests
- blood electrolytes.
An optimization of his therapy may be needed ( adding a diuretic).
You should discuss with his doctor on the above issues!
Hope to have been helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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