I’m A 25year Old Female Five Foot Seven 120lbs With

Posted on Thu, 24 Sep 2020

Question: I’m a 25year old female five foot seven 120lbs with suspected svt (for years) but for a little while now shortness of breath. Tested negative for covid, my oxyegn saturation lowers especially with exercise but also sometimes just at rest 89, my spirometry and dclo lung capacity was abnormal. Two doctors think I might have a heart shunt, what do you think?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome back to Ask a Doctor service!

I understand your concern and would explain that it is important to examine the heart structure and function in order to investigate on a possible cardiac shunt or any structural abnormality.

In this regard, I would recommend performing a cardiac ultrasound, followed by a trans-esophageal cardiac ultrasound( which is more accurate)if necessary.

Another test to consider would be a cardiac MRI, if suspicions of a cardiac abnormality are raised on the above tests.

Considering cardiac arrhythmia, an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring would help determine the type of cardiac arrhythmia.

Regarding the abnormal pulmonary function tests, I would recommend consulting with a pulmonologist for the possible treatment options.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!

Wishing good health,

Dr.Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (19 minutes later)

thanks i had an echo awaiting the results im told i may need an echo with bubble, which seems scary could a cardiac mri diagnose a shunt or no? Is it possible that years of an undiagnosed heart arrythmia caused heart failure? would heart fsilure show up on an x ray (i had one it was normal)

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (3 minutes later)

please look at the photo of my at home ecg from the other day

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

A bubble test helps determine the presence of an abnormal communication between cardiac chambers.

A cardiac MRI would help determine better the anatomy of the shunt, compared to a bubble test. Both these tests are quite safe.

Regarding heart failure, you should know that it is a clinical syndrome ( you don't have such symptoms) and with specific changes in cardiac ultrasound.

So, I don't think that this is your case!

Regarding your ECG report, it shows just sinus tachycardia, while the pulmonary angio CT scan is normal.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!

Wishing all the best,

Dr.Iliri

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee