Is Heart Problem A Risk Factor When Diagnosed With Pneumonia?

Posted on Tue, 22 Mar 2016

Question: Hi.. I am a 60 years old young woman :)
I was diagnosed with Pneumonia on Dec 14. I took it pretty easy.. My Md gave me a Z pack.. saying it was viral and it would take 4-6 weeks or longer .. The original X-ray said.. I likely had Pneumonia bc of the right middle lobe opacity ..It also stated that I had a retrotracial opacity which was seen on the lateral view.

My Dr said he spoke with a mother radiologist who said that I had that opacity a couple years ago and there has been no change in size .. etc.

Anyway.. My energy is almost back .. but I if I run up the step.. my heart beat goes up .. I have always been fit.. exercise .. never smoked etc.. .. What are your thoughts .. as I am a bit anxious .. I will speak to my Dr on monday.. Thank you! ..

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Needs echocardiography

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am Dr Mittal. I have read your message. I think I can help you.
The fact remains that in the pneumonia patients the cardiac functions are also affected.
in other words the pumping capacity of the heart becomes less.
This usually resolves once the infections settles.
Still , I would suggest that you test with a echocardiography.

Another possibility that may be considered is that the tracheal mass may be compressing the trachea. therefore it would be difficult to breathe. this would need to be tested with a CT chest and if need be, bronchoscopy.

Of course, the treatment of the condition will depend on the reports.

I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information contained in this message will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem. Best of luck. Dr Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (20 minutes later)

Thank you !
The tracheal lesion has been unchanged and there for a few years my dr says ..
Hmm so it has not affected my breathing before .
He is not alarmed by this
As he said of it is a "cancer"
There would be a changed
He confirmed this with another radiologist
That he consults with and respects his readings
Thoughts ?
Thank you for taking the time
Best XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cannot be confirmed without ct

Detailed Answer:
Hi .
Thanks for your response.
The fact remains that CT scan is a better study for this lesion than x ray.
Also , I have put it as another possibility.
I am assuming the radiologist is right.
Therefore, I have suggested a echocardiography.
Best of luck. Dr Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar