Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Fatigue, Shortness Of Breath And Lightheadedness?
Question: I am a 59 yr old male I had a stroke at age 42 with no residual symptom except for my right foot is a little numb.I am generally healthy a non smoker light drinker and I walk 2 hrs daily. I play 3 rounds of golf weekly. My problem is is that several times a year I get extreme fatigue with short of breath and very light headed. Its so bad that I can only take small steps and only lift light weight. My blood tests are all normal and I have had a heart ultra sound in 2008 which showed perfect health. Im psychologicly sound. It almost feels like im not getting oxegen to my blood. Looking back in my entire life I have been involved in many cardio sports and ive never been able to take them to a higher level due to running out of breath but still was considered in fairly good shape. At this moment im going through another spell with severe weakness and light headedness Any thoughts? thanks XXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Rule out obstructive sleep apnea
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for the query. One of the things that strikes me in your case is the early stroke at age 42; if it has not been done, I believe that you should get screening for obstructive sleep apnea or a sleep breathing disorder, since these are associated with an increased risk of stroke at young age, and also fatigue and shortness of breath. An overnight oximetry is the initial test. Also, to better understand your lung function with exercise, you can consider a cardiopulmonary exercise test, in which you do a treadmill with an ECG, but also your pulmonary oxygen consumption is measured. It can distinguish between cardiac, pulmonary or mixed causes of shortness of breath, the most common being out of shape or deconditioned.
Hope that helps, wish you the best,
Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Mayo Clinic MN
Department of Medicine
Division of Cardiovascular Diseases
Rule out obstructive sleep apnea
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for the query. One of the things that strikes me in your case is the early stroke at age 42; if it has not been done, I believe that you should get screening for obstructive sleep apnea or a sleep breathing disorder, since these are associated with an increased risk of stroke at young age, and also fatigue and shortness of breath. An overnight oximetry is the initial test. Also, to better understand your lung function with exercise, you can consider a cardiopulmonary exercise test, in which you do a treadmill with an ECG, but also your pulmonary oxygen consumption is measured. It can distinguish between cardiac, pulmonary or mixed causes of shortness of breath, the most common being out of shape or deconditioned.
Hope that helps, wish you the best,
Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Mayo Clinic MN
Department of Medicine
Division of Cardiovascular Diseases
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
