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What Causes Breathlessness With Tachycardia?

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Posted on Wed, 28 Sep 2016
Question: Hello I am 43 in good health and run 10-12 miles per week, i noticed that recently when i run i am short of breath for the first1- 2 miles, it gets better after that to a point where i can run fast and do 4-6 miles enjoyably. My heart rate retuns to normal soon after i finish my run. Is this normal to struggle for the initial period of my run and this happened only this year, i didnt notice this last year or before and ive been a moderate runner for about 10 years. CT Scan done last year showed no cardiac issues - attached is my fitbit resting heart rate trend recently
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

I carefully passed through your question and reviewed your uploaded report and would explain that your symptoms are not related to any serious cardiac disorders.

You should know that it is quite normal to have an increased heart rate in the beginning of physical activity. It is caused by the activation of sympathetic nervous system, causing a load of catecholamines in your body, as your muscles need more fuel to start working.

You have no typical signs of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain, and your heart rhythm trends seems to be within normal ranges.

Anyway, I would recommend performing some tests to investigate for possible conditions like anemia, thyroid dysfunction, electrolytes imbalance or a lung disorder, which can lead to this situation. For this reason the tests below need to be done:

- a chest x-ray and respiratory function tests
- complete blood count
- blood electrolytes
- thyroid hormone levels
- a cardiac ultrasound is needed to rule out possible mitral valve prolapse.

You should discuss with your doctor on the above tests.

Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (25 minutes later)
Thank you Dr Sharka

I had an anxiety issue last November suddenly for a few days to a week, since i have managed my stressed levels through life style changes and yoga and have been mostly anxiety free except for 1-2 days where i had to relax via breathing - are the two symptoms linked perhaps. I think my thyroid was ruled out a year ago via extemdive testing - this breathing issue started only this summer and i dont experience it when i ran in Singapore in Early August for a whole week - i also dont experience it during hot yoga which i practice 3 times a week

Thank you again for your guidance
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (12 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Anxiety seems to play an important role in your symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Thank you for the additional information.

Yes, anxiety seems to play an important role in your symptoms.

Anyway, I would recommend performing the other above mentioned tests (cardiac ultrasound and respiratory function tests) in order to exclude these other possible causes.

Hope to have been helpful!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (22 hours later)
Hello Doctor

I tested my symptoms by running indoors, 2 miles at 140-170 BPM, i felt great and no out of breath other than normal cardiovascular exercise driven effort - with this new information, can you share your thoughts on my symptoms when running outside - thanks again
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
My answer as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the additional information.

Based on this trial, I would explain that your symptoms are definitely not related to any cardiac disorder.

Anxiety could be the cause of all this clinical scenario.

So just relax and do not worry about it.

I would also recommend performing some allergy tests, as you may be allergic to any components of the outdoor air (like pollens, dust, etc.).

Hope to have clarified some of your uncertainties!

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
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Answered by
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Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9541 Questions

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What Causes Breathlessness With Tachycardia?

Brief Answer: I would recommend as follows: Detailed Answer: Hello! Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM! I carefully passed through your question and reviewed your uploaded report and would explain that your symptoms are not related to any serious cardiac disorders. You should know that it is quite normal to have an increased heart rate in the beginning of physical activity. It is caused by the activation of sympathetic nervous system, causing a load of catecholamines in your body, as your muscles need more fuel to start working. You have no typical signs of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain, and your heart rhythm trends seems to be within normal ranges. Anyway, I would recommend performing some tests to investigate for possible conditions like anemia, thyroid dysfunction, electrolytes imbalance or a lung disorder, which can lead to this situation. For this reason the tests below need to be done: - a chest x-ray and respiratory function tests - complete blood count - blood electrolytes - thyroid hormone levels - a cardiac ultrasound is needed to rule out possible mitral valve prolapse. You should discuss with your doctor on the above tests. Hope to have been helpful! Kind regards, Dr. Iliri