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What Causes Shortness Of Breath, Swelling In The Ankles And Fatigue?

Posted on Sat, 28 Oct 2017

Question: What is the 5 most likely diagnosis for
54 year old female
5'2" 125 lbs
Shortness of breath when running a few minutes or walking fast
Swollen ankles
Bags under eyes
Itchy skin (General)
Some fatigue, sleeps sometimes during the day

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Let her be evaluated for heart failure!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about these symptoms that you have reported. I have reviewed these symptoms fully and they raise serious concerns about a failing heart. Swollen limbs and exertion dyspnoea are typical of heart failure.

I recommend you see his primary care doctor for evaluation and management. She might need referral to a cardiologist for appropriate investigation and management. In addition, tests should be done to exclude liver and kidney diseases.

I hope this helps and guides. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (16 hours later)

To differentiate from Kidney and Liver I understand

For Heart non invasive EKG and Echocardiogram Chest x ray?
What blood or other tests non invasive would help?

For Kidney, Filtration Rate, Creatinine, BUN? What other tests would help?

Liver probably unlikely?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
For heart, B-natriuretic peptide

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

In addition to echocardiogram, BNP titers would be helpful. However, the gold standard is echocardiogram.

For the kidneys, BUN, creatinine, and EGFR would provide answers.

Why do you say the liver is probably unlikely? A complete liver biochemistry profile would provide enough elements for interpretation.

I hope this guides and helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (20 hours later)

Oh Forget to ad one symptom Dizzy and usually relieved by eating sweet. Do you think it is related to the heart or something else?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
May be related to low sugar!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

This points to low blood sugar which is caused by exercise physical exercise or poor meal plans. I encourage you to not skip meals.

This is certainly not related to heart disease. It isn’t suggestive in any way.

I wish you well and feel free to follow up if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (37 hours later)

For the heart condition I researched natural cures by XXXXXXX Fuhrman.

Can you add to this list, or suggest some to remove. thanks
Vitamins and Supplements
K2
CoEnzymeQ10
B12
Fish Oil 1 Gram XXXXXXX

Food
Green Tea
Bok Choy XXXXXXX
Chinese Cabbage
Watercress
Cherries
Yellow and Red Onions
Shallots
Scallions
Garlic
Chives
Pomegranate Juice
Tomatoes, paste, and Sauce
Berries
Garlic
Seeds
Nuts
Beans
No Salt or Red Meats

Drugs
No Statins

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
This list is exhaustive!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

This list is exhaustive. I wouldn't add or take anyway anything. Keep me posted with your progress.

I wish you well.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng