What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Dizziness In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Mon, 15 May 2017

Question: Hi, I am a 52 year old female and currently have these symptoms in the morning: racing heart, need to burp, sometimes shortness of breath, lightheadedness..sometimes muscle twitching of the eyes and body. In 2006 I was diagnosed with pvc's of the heart and given beta blockers but I didn't take them. I was also diagnosed with Menieres Diesease? but after eating healthy for 3 months was completely fine. Now... a couple of weeks ago I was on the freeway and got lightheaded and had to pull over 3 times. My primary doctor did not know what was wrong so I've seen an ENT and Cardiologist. The ENT took out a block of wax from my left ear and said that could be the cause and if my ears keep ringing to come back. The cardiologist gave me metopropol because he said my blood pressure was 142/70 but every day I check it it's under 120. Today it was 115/81 pulse rate 75. I haven't taken it yet. I just drank decaf green tea and seemed to sooth me. But I seem jumpy.....not sure why. I am out on disability until 5/20. Could it be Magnesium defienciency? I'm currently taking Womens health network essential nutrients and that's it. Ive also had a lot of dental work done lately and thought it might have been too much novacaine.
Flying to Reno for a volleyball tournament with my daughter this Thursday and just want to feel better. Please advise as soon as you can. Thank you!!

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

I carefully passed through your question and would explain that magnesium deficiency can not be excluded as a possible cause of your symptoms.

I would also recommend checking your thyroid hormone levels and vitamin D levels. You should know that vitamin D deficiency as well as a thyroid gland dysfunction can lead to this symptomatology.

Meanwhile, I agree with taking a multivitamin like Womens health network essential nutrients. These supplements can help increase your physical performance.

Meanwhile, considering Metoprolol, I would not recommend taking it, if your heart rate is withing the normal ranges (like 75 bpm). It can have some adverse effects like fatigue and lower your physical performance.

Considering the fact that your have been diagnosed with Meniere earlier, I would also recommend taking Dimenhydrinate. You can take it 25mg three times daily, or 50mg during vertigo or lightheadedness. An inner ear disorder, can also trigger your situation.

Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar