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Suggest Treatment For Shortness Of Breath And Swelling In The Ankle And Feet

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Posted on Mon, 20 Mar 2017
Question: symptoms: leg/ankle/feet swelling, shortness of breath, tired with exertion, chest pains, coughing/weazing
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rishu Saxena (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Most likely congestive cardiac failure.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query.
Have noted all your details.
Most likely your symptoms can be because of congestive cardiac failure.Let me first give you a brief idea about what is congestive cardiac failure.
Cardiac failure is not indicative of a defect in heart; but its a situation when the heart pumps weaker than what is generally deemed as natural.Therefore the blood flows at a slower rate to the heart and the body that in turn increases pressure in the heart.In an attempt to hold more blood, heart stretches its chambers. Though this strenuous effort may keep the blood moving, it would gradually and inevitably weary the heart with all the effort. Subsequently, the kidney responds by retaining more salt and fluid in the body. These fluids may accumulate in different parts of the body, mainly in the legs, feet, ankles leading to congestion in the body. This very condition in medical terminology is referred to as congestive heart failure.
Most common cause of CHF is Coronary artery disease.
I would suggest you some of the baseline tests of cardiology to rule out Coronary artery disease-
2d echo-Motion abnormality in wall of heart can be seen and left ventricle ejrction fraction is calculated.
Stress test-Any ischemia to cardiac muscles will be reflected in stress test.
Combine together they have a sensitivity rate of more then 85% to rule out coronary artery disease.
Other tests adviced are
Liver function test(to rule out liver as a cause of symptoms)
Renal function test(To rule out kidney problem)
Fasting lipid profile
Fasting and post prandial blood sugar
Blood pressure recordings.
Thanks and follow up with reports.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Rishu Saxena (2 hours later)
This sounds quite serious. How concerned should I be and how soon should I follow up with my doc?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rishu Saxena (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It should be taken seriously..

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
You should be very concerned and should try to consult your cardiologist and get all baseline tests done as early as possible.
Thanks.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Rishu Saxena

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 696 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Shortness Of Breath And Swelling In The Ankle And Feet

Brief Answer: Most likely congestive cardiac failure. Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query. Have noted all your details. Most likely your symptoms can be because of congestive cardiac failure.Let me first give you a brief idea about what is congestive cardiac failure. Cardiac failure is not indicative of a defect in heart; but its a situation when the heart pumps weaker than what is generally deemed as natural.Therefore the blood flows at a slower rate to the heart and the body that in turn increases pressure in the heart.In an attempt to hold more blood, heart stretches its chambers. Though this strenuous effort may keep the blood moving, it would gradually and inevitably weary the heart with all the effort. Subsequently, the kidney responds by retaining more salt and fluid in the body. These fluids may accumulate in different parts of the body, mainly in the legs, feet, ankles leading to congestion in the body. This very condition in medical terminology is referred to as congestive heart failure. Most common cause of CHF is Coronary artery disease. I would suggest you some of the baseline tests of cardiology to rule out Coronary artery disease- 2d echo-Motion abnormality in wall of heart can be seen and left ventricle ejrction fraction is calculated. Stress test-Any ischemia to cardiac muscles will be reflected in stress test. Combine together they have a sensitivity rate of more then 85% to rule out coronary artery disease. Other tests adviced are Liver function test(to rule out liver as a cause of symptoms) Renal function test(To rule out kidney problem) Fasting lipid profile Fasting and post prandial blood sugar Blood pressure recordings. Thanks and follow up with reports.