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Suggest Treatment For Constant Shortness Of Breath While Having Aortic Stenosis
Question: I have had aortic stenosis since birth. I've always been told that it's mild, but lately I've had constant shortness of breath and it has me worried. Are the two related? Is it just my anxiety? (I've been on 20mg/day of Paxil for anxiety). When do I need to seek medical attention regarding my aortic stenosis?
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for asking again on HCM!
Your symptoms are probably related to anxiety. Mild aortic stenosis usually does not lead to this symptomatology.
When did you perform you last ultrasound? Could you upload it for me to review and give another professional opinion?
Other causes (like a lung disorder, or chronic anemia) should be investigated.
I would recommend performing some tests to investigate for the possible cause:
- a resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound (if it has passed a long time from your last one)
- a chest X ray study and respiratory function tests to exclude a lung disorder
- some blood lab tests (complete blood count, PCR, sedimentation rate, blood electrolytes and thyroid hormone levels to exclude possible thyroid dysfunction which could lead to increased anxiety).
You should discuss with your doctor about the above mentioned tests.
Meanwhile, I would recommend trying 1-2 tab 0.25 mg of alprazolam during these episodes. If your symptoms are relieved by this drug, it would indicate possible anxiety or a panic attack. In such case you should discuss with your psychiatrist the possible treatment options (increase the dose or switch to another drug)in order to manage better your anxiety.
Feel free to ask any other questions whenever you need.
Greetings!
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for asking again on HCM!
Your symptoms are probably related to anxiety. Mild aortic stenosis usually does not lead to this symptomatology.
When did you perform you last ultrasound? Could you upload it for me to review and give another professional opinion?
Other causes (like a lung disorder, or chronic anemia) should be investigated.
I would recommend performing some tests to investigate for the possible cause:
- a resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound (if it has passed a long time from your last one)
- a chest X ray study and respiratory function tests to exclude a lung disorder
- some blood lab tests (complete blood count, PCR, sedimentation rate, blood electrolytes and thyroid hormone levels to exclude possible thyroid dysfunction which could lead to increased anxiety).
You should discuss with your doctor about the above mentioned tests.
Meanwhile, I would recommend trying 1-2 tab 0.25 mg of alprazolam during these episodes. If your symptoms are relieved by this drug, it would indicate possible anxiety or a panic attack. In such case you should discuss with your psychiatrist the possible treatment options (increase the dose or switch to another drug)in order to manage better your anxiety.
Feel free to ask any other questions whenever you need.
Greetings!
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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