Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Oxygen Levels To Drop During Exercise?
Question: I'm 64 and am very active bike 5oo miles a year play hockey and cross country ski in winter. have arresting hr of 45 why am I not able to get enough o2 to my muscles to do hills as fast anymore is it just ageing or some blockage how can I find out Thanks XXXX
Brief Answer:
I would recommend performing some tests:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for asking on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that your symptoms could be related to a metabolic disorders ( chronic anemia, thyroid dysfunction, adrenal gland dysfunction, diabetes, etc.).
Other possible disorders that may mimic this symptomatology are heart failure, COPD, myasthenia gravis, etc..
You should also know that aging is a a normal process that is associated with a decrease in the physical performance.
Anyway, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests to investigate for the possible underlying causes:
- a complete blood count for anemia
- fasting glucose
- blood electrolytes
- thyroid hormone levels
- cortisol plasma levels
- kidney and liver function tests
- a cardiac ultrasound to examine your heart function and structure.
If you have shortness of breath, a chest x-ray study and respiratory function tests should be done to exclude COPD.
If the fatigue worsens during the day and you feel worse in the evening, miastenia gravis should be considered. In such case consulting with a neurologist and further tests may be needed.
If all the above tests result normal, you should consider normal aging as the main cause of your symptoms. A lot of physical activity would help you stay fit and increase your physical performance in such situation.
Hope to have been helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend performing some tests:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for asking on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that your symptoms could be related to a metabolic disorders ( chronic anemia, thyroid dysfunction, adrenal gland dysfunction, diabetes, etc.).
Other possible disorders that may mimic this symptomatology are heart failure, COPD, myasthenia gravis, etc..
You should also know that aging is a a normal process that is associated with a decrease in the physical performance.
Anyway, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests to investigate for the possible underlying causes:
- a complete blood count for anemia
- fasting glucose
- blood electrolytes
- thyroid hormone levels
- cortisol plasma levels
- kidney and liver function tests
- a cardiac ultrasound to examine your heart function and structure.
If you have shortness of breath, a chest x-ray study and respiratory function tests should be done to exclude COPD.
If the fatigue worsens during the day and you feel worse in the evening, miastenia gravis should be considered. In such case consulting with a neurologist and further tests may be needed.
If all the above tests result normal, you should consider normal aging as the main cause of your symptoms. A lot of physical activity would help you stay fit and increase your physical performance in such situation.
Hope to have been helpful!
Kind 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
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
