HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Shortness Of Breath In An Obese Person?

default
Posted on Thu, 10 Aug 2017
Question: I am a morbidly obese 68-yr old woman living a very sedentary life. Sunday afternoon I walked a long block and half-way there I experienced some pain in my chest. By the time I arrived at my destination it was constant and moderately severe with some shortness of breath. Within half an hour it had subsided considerably. On my return I paused 3 times to rest as the pain returned. Again it subsided within a half hour. I had been to my doctor earlier that week for a routine physical: clear lungs; BP 134/70; Pulse 82; O2 96%. Since Sunday I have residual pressure through my upper chest, which increases with very little activity. I've recently lost 30 lbs and continue to eat less in an attempt at a healthier lifestyle. Is there something else I should do?
doctor
Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (53 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possible angina

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms, I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns but I would recommend that you exclude angina as a cause of your chest pain.
Angina is a common cause of chest discomfort and often occurs during periods of stress or physical activity. Symptoms occur when the blood vessels that supply the heart with blood and oxygen are narrowed resulting in chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations and nausea. Chest pain is typically felt behind the breastbone or slightly to the left of it and can radiate to the back, arm, jaw or shoulder.
Diagnosis is made by a stress ECG test and cardiac enzymes blood enzymes.. if diagnosis is confirmed then angina is often treated with medication called nitroglycerin, which is placed under the tongue during an angina attack. Angina typically improves with rest, medication and lifestyle changes. I hope I answered your question .
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. salah saad shoman

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3153 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Shortness Of Breath In An Obese Person?

Brief Answer: Possible angina Detailed Answer: Dear Ms, I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns but I would recommend that you exclude angina as a cause of your chest pain. Angina is a common cause of chest discomfort and often occurs during periods of stress or physical activity. Symptoms occur when the blood vessels that supply the heart with blood and oxygen are narrowed resulting in chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations and nausea. Chest pain is typically felt behind the breastbone or slightly to the left of it and can radiate to the back, arm, jaw or shoulder. Diagnosis is made by a stress ECG test and cardiac enzymes blood enzymes.. if diagnosis is confirmed then angina is often treated with medication called nitroglycerin, which is placed under the tongue during an angina attack. Angina typically improves with rest, medication and lifestyle changes. I hope I answered your question .