
What Causes Fatigue, Shortness Of Breath And Lightheadedness?

Rule out obstructive sleep apnea
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for the query. One of the things that strikes me in your case is the early stroke at age 42; if it has not been done, I believe that you should get screening for obstructive sleep apnea or a sleep breathing disorder, since these are associated with an increased risk of stroke at young age, and also fatigue and shortness of breath. An overnight oximetry is the initial test. Also, to better understand your lung function with exercise, you can consider a cardiopulmonary exercise test, in which you do a treadmill with an ECG, but also your pulmonary oxygen consumption is measured. It can distinguish between cardiac, pulmonary or mixed causes of shortness of breath, the most common being out of shape or deconditioned.
Hope that helps, wish you the best,
Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Mayo Clinic MN
Department of Medicine
Division of Cardiovascular Diseases

Answered by

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
