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

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Dizziness?

Husband age 76 - had a dizzy spell week and a half ago. It lasted about five minutes. After that event, he is tired;falls asleep in the chair frequently during the day. Today he went to bed to nap - slept an hour. No ambition. Is short of breath, wether he is sitting or laying down. Up frequently at night because he can t get his breath. Blood tests done last week show no problems. Chest x-ray shows no fluid in lungs. Doctor is thinking heart problem, but isn t sure where to go from here. Husband is not active - he s had two lower back surgeries in five years. Has diabetes - A1C last week was 9.5; December it was 10.1; weighs 220 lbs; is 5 5 height. He struggles for air when he does steps; occasionally needs to stop and get his breath before he can continue up. Any suggestions as to what we should be checking for now? What tests would you suggest. His shortness of breath has been a problem for several years, but the last week and a half it is getting so much worse. We ll anticipate your answer/suggestions. Thank you.
Wed, 18 Mar 2015
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Dear Patient,

to continue the diagnostics for the assumption of a heart problem i recommed an ekg/ 24-hour ekg and an ultrasound of the heart (transthoracic echocardiography, see a cardiologist) to be done. But also a neurological condition like epilepsy or or stroke should be checked for (recommendation: eeg= electroencephalography and ct=computertomography of the brain plus ultrasound of the brain arteries) is something that can be done to find out the cause. Hope this is helping you , if you have any clarificatons you can get back to me, if this was helpful please kindly rate my answer. Best regards
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer


Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Dizziness?

Dear Patient, to continue the diagnostics for the assumption of a heart problem i recommed an ekg/ 24-hour ekg and an ultrasound of the heart (transthoracic echocardiography, see a cardiologist) to be done. But also a neurological condition like epilepsy or or stroke should be checked for (recommendation: eeg= electroencephalography and ct=computertomography of the brain plus ultrasound of the brain arteries) is something that can be done to find out the cause. Hope this is helping you , if you have any clarificatons you can get back to me, if this was helpful please kindly rate my answer. Best regards