Question: I have been getting very short of breath with fast heartbeat and wheezing after walking for just a few minutes (not always, but at least daily). This is a change I'm concerned about. I do have asthma, but also risk factors for heart disease. and some edema/bloating and intermittent chest pain;/tightness. Thank you.

Thank you, doctor.

To answer your questions:

1. I don't have my current cholesterol data. All I know is that my cholesterol and triglyceride levels were quite high a few years ago, but last I heard they had gone down while taking atorvastin.

2. I did have ECG and echocardiogram at least one year ago. Results were normal.

3. Risk factors include former smoker (quit 15 years ago, but smoked heavily for about 30 years); my age (64); heredity (father, brother, 2 grandparents, several aunts and uncles had/have heart disease); high stress level for years (plus depression).

4. Chest pain does not seem to be connected with physical activity or breathing - but shortness of breath and fast heartbeat are definitely connected to physical activity (have had to stop after walking only a few minutes).

5. I've been taking atorvastatin for about 4 years (20 mg/day increased from 10/mg) - don't know results of last blood tests and am inbetween primary care doctors.

Hope this helps. XXXX

Thank you, Dr. Baghdasaryan.

I think you meant to write that heart failure as a cause of shortness of breath should NOT be excluded (you left out "not"), based on the rest of your answer.

Maybe it goes without saying, but when I have shortness of breath and feeling of heart pounding, I also feel very weak, and just have to stop walking before going on.

I really don't think that anxiety or depression plays a role in those symptoms when I'm physically active, because I'm being treated for those conditions and don't feel anxious at the time.

All this seems to reinforce what you say about being re-tested etc.

One more question:

Several years ago, I had a couple of abdominal MRI's to investigate possible lymphoma. Besides findings of lesions on spleen and elsewhere, there was an incidental finding: the report stated "There is calcification in the coronary arteries." Does that seem significant to you in terms of possible heart disease?

Thanks again, XXXXXXX

This is related to previous questions I asked here: I had severe wheezing and shortness of breath while walking in the cold several hours ago. A couple of hours later I began having pretty bad tightness in my chest which has lasted for 2 or 3 hours (at rest). It's still going on but less intense. Should I be especially worried right now, or just go to sleep? I do have asthma (not usually relieved by albuterol) but also some symptoms of and risk factors for heart disease. Mainly my shortness of breath has been much worse in recent months and sometimes have peripheral edema and have strong family history of ischemic heart disease. Am taking Atorvastatin for high cholesterol, not sure of current cholesterol levels.

Just want to add, since this question is so much like earlier one: This episode of breathlessness and wheezing (and pounding heart) in the cold on a short walk earlier today was the worst I've ever had - and this episode of chest tightness has lasted longer than any other I remember. I also have trouble with stairs, feel weak and try to pull myself up by the banister.