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What Causes Shortness Of Breath At An Old Age?
Question: I am 79. I am gulping for air. Exercising does not increase it, I am out of breath from walking up 1 flight of stairs. Is this normal for my age? I had by pass surgery 10 years ago. I do not wheeze, but need more air.
Brief Answer:
would need to assess heart and lung
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It would not be considered normal at a particular age. There are some persons at your age or older, who would be able to manage this level of activity with no problems.
Though others who are younger that may not be able to manage but this is more likely if they have a history of heart disease, diabetes, increased weight, smoking etc
With a history of heart disease, you need to be assessed to determine if there is any change or deterioration in heart function. An ECG and echo would be needed to assess to function.
The echo would check the pumping of the heart, effectiveness of contraction of the muscles of heart, the amount of blood that is ejected or remains in the heart
Since there is no change with exercise, stress testing may not be needed.
A chest x ray may also be needed to take a look at the lungs.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
would need to assess heart and lung
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It would not be considered normal at a particular age. There are some persons at your age or older, who would be able to manage this level of activity with no problems.
Though others who are younger that may not be able to manage but this is more likely if they have a history of heart disease, diabetes, increased weight, smoking etc
With a history of heart disease, you need to be assessed to determine if there is any change or deterioration in heart function. An ECG and echo would be needed to assess to function.
The echo would check the pumping of the heart, effectiveness of contraction of the muscles of heart, the amount of blood that is ejected or remains in the heart
Since there is no change with exercise, stress testing may not be needed.
A chest x ray may also be needed to take a look at the lungs.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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