Suffering From Weakness, Dizziness, Shortness Of Breath And Anxiety. EKG, Blood Test Normal. Concerned

Posted on Tue, 14 May 2013

Question: I am 43 yr old female suffering from weak legs, dizziness, shortness of breath and severe anxiety. My b12, iron and folic acid levels are all low. I had an EKG, blood work and ultrasound of carotid artery all fine. Bp is 110/72.

Answered by Dr. Payman Hajiazim (54 minutes later)

Hi there, thanks for asking. Some of the symptoms could be related to low B12 level and folic deficiency like dizziness. Some like weakness also could be related to B12 which is low. Shortness of breath can happen with low iron, low folic and low B12 which cause anemia. Anxiety has two parts. One part is related to body which anemia can mimic many symptoms of it. However, low B12 level can cause anxiety. Fortunately, many of these issues could be managed with correcting these deficiencies. B12 sometimes does not have a good oral absorption, so most doctors recommend injection of B12 weekly at first and then monthly. I wish you a good health.

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

Follow up: Dr. Payman Hajiazim (9 minutes later)

What about twitching eyelid, numbness on the bridge of my nose and chest tightness

Answered by Dr. Payman Hajiazim (4 hours later)

Hi there, pardon me for the delay. Chest tightness can be related to anemia. twitching the eyelid could be related to stress. Many people find it when they are in stress. Numbness on the bridge of your nose can also be related to stress. Have you had any stress factor recently in your life? Are these issues present even when you do not have stress factor in the life?

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