Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Are Chest Pain And Breathlessness Indicative Of Coronary Artery Disease?
Question: I've been told I have a heart murmur, Mayo Clinic said I had a branch bundle. Lately when I get up and walk to the kitchen or just to another room, I start having difficulty breathing. It subsides after a bit, then I'm fine. If the room is warm, I have to go to the door sometimes or a window for cool air which helps. In a recent visit to my doctor, she said my "murmur was louder." I'm exercising by rowing, and I row pretty intensively. So, my questions are: Am I on the verge of a heart attack? Is the rowing making it worse?
Brief Answer:
I would recommend performing some tests:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that your symptoms could be related to heart failure.
Coronary artery disease can not be excluded either, although it is usually associated with chest pain, besides shortness of breath.
Coming to this point, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician and performing some tests:
- cardiac ultrasound and NT-pro BNP levels for heart failure
- a resting ECG and cardiac enzymes
- complete blood count for anemia
- a chest X-ray study
- blood electrolytes for any possible imbalance
- kidney and liver function tests.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would recommend performing some tests:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that your symptoms could be related to heart failure.
Coronary artery disease can not be excluded either, although it is usually associated with chest pain, besides shortness of breath.
Coming to this point, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician and performing some tests:
- cardiac ultrasound and NT-pro BNP levels for heart failure
- a resting ECG and cardiac enzymes
- complete blood count for anemia
- a chest X-ray study
- blood electrolytes for any possible imbalance
- kidney and liver function tests.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
So, I should not be doing any streneous exercise until I get these tests done?
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Yes, it is important avoiding straining physical activity in the next days, until consulting with your doctor.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Yes, it is important avoiding straining physical activity in the next days, until consulting with your doctor.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
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
