Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does Shortness Of Breath With Positive Stress Test Indicate?
Question: Hi, I have been having bad pains in my neck that start in the front with such painful squeezing that radiates to the back of the neck then to both arms and back with shortness of breath. All I a m doing is walking , doing dishes or laundry . Any ideas , please share I am almost 60 and have had 2 positive heart stress tests
Brief Answer:
Need to start on medications. Check hemoglobin levels
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. With two positive heart stress tests, yes, it is time for surgery.
2. In the mean time, you should be on anti-platelet medications like clopidogrel and low dose aspirin to avoid risk of any major cardiac episode before surgery. Check hemoglobin levels and try to maintain it within normal range, so that no added cardiac load is present due to anemia.
3. Do get an X-ray of neck too, to rule out spondylosis. It can also present with pain in neck with pain radiating to arms. It is definitely at present cardiac related, however, if spondylosis is present, you will need cervical collar, and neck exercises, to prevent further progression.
Meet your doctor for prescription of medications (clopidogrel and low dose aspirin) and further investigations ( for anemia and spondylosis).
If possible discuss with your doctor regarding anti-anginal medications, for emergency purposes, during major cardiac events, especially when far from hospital.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Need to start on medications. Check hemoglobin levels
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. With two positive heart stress tests, yes, it is time for surgery.
2. In the mean time, you should be on anti-platelet medications like clopidogrel and low dose aspirin to avoid risk of any major cardiac episode before surgery. Check hemoglobin levels and try to maintain it within normal range, so that no added cardiac load is present due to anemia.
3. Do get an X-ray of neck too, to rule out spondylosis. It can also present with pain in neck with pain radiating to arms. It is definitely at present cardiac related, however, if spondylosis is present, you will need cervical collar, and neck exercises, to prevent further progression.
Meet your doctor for prescription of medications (clopidogrel and low dose aspirin) and further investigations ( for anemia and spondylosis).
If possible discuss with your doctor regarding anti-anginal medications, for emergency purposes, during major cardiac events, especially when far from hospital.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
