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What Causes Severe Dyspnea?
Question: I just had an exacerbation of left heart failure/dysfunction with severe dyspnea and unable to lie flat, coughing quite a bit, and had 17 lbs excess fluid with a swollen abdomen; yes, my 02 sat remained at 97%; however arterial blood gases showed low 02 levels. What does that mean? By gasping, I mean not even being able to finish a sentence, eat, or sleep. It was very rough. What causes the dyspnea?
Brief Answer:
Several triggering factors are responsible for that.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern and would like to explain that, all the above clinical scenario seems to be compatible with an acute decompensation of your chronic heart failure.
There are several triggering factors responsible for this deterioration, such as a possible infection, acute anemia, a recently uncontrolled arrhythmia, an acute myocardial ischaemia, an inappropriate therapy modulation or poor compliance, etc.
At this point, it is necessary to have an in hospital evaluation of the underlying triggering cause, and to have an intensive treatment, addressing the etiological factor, as well as signs of congestion and low cardiac output.
At the end, an appropriate maintenance therapy should be instituted.
Hope to have been helpful to you! Greetings! Dr. Iliri
Several triggering factors are responsible for that.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern and would like to explain that, all the above clinical scenario seems to be compatible with an acute decompensation of your chronic heart failure.
There are several triggering factors responsible for this deterioration, such as a possible infection, acute anemia, a recently uncontrolled arrhythmia, an acute myocardial ischaemia, an inappropriate therapy modulation or poor compliance, etc.
At this point, it is necessary to have an in hospital evaluation of the underlying triggering cause, and to have an intensive treatment, addressing the etiological factor, as well as signs of congestion and low cardiac output.
At the end, an appropriate maintenance therapy should be instituted.
Hope to have been helpful to you! Greetings! Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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