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What Causes Heart Palpitations Followed By Shortness Of Breath?

Posted on Wed, 3 Dec 2014

Question: I have been feeling shortness of breath for the past one weeks. Three weeks ago it started with palpitations and now I feel breathless sometimes. It goes off as soon as I lie down for a short while. It occurs more when I am at home alone.

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility-cardiovascular/ respiratory system ds

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.

Feeling of breathlessness and palpitations could be due to some problem in the cardiovascular system or respiratory system.
ECG can be normal in initial stages of diseases of cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Besides clinical assessment, further investigations ma be required like X-ray chest, pulmonary function tests and stress tests.
Any ailment of the cardiovascular system and respiratory system can be picked up by these investigations.
Since, the symptoms are occurring when you are alone at home, there is a possibility the symptoms could be psychological.
However, in either case, clinical assessment is mandatory.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (21 minutes later)

Thanks for your answer. I forgot to mention my blood pressure is high about 146/90 I have cut down on salt. Do I have to completely give up salt?

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Salt restriction is required

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
Salt restriction is required. Complete giving up of salt is not required however salt in diet should be minimal.High blood pressure is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases so it should be controlled as far as possible.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T