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What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Severe Pain In Ribs On Left Side?

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Posted on Tue, 17 Mar 2015
Question: My heart has just jumped several times. I am short of breath and have severe pain in my ribs on my left side. I cough so much it makes me sick. I have been like this for weeks. I can't talk without coughing and now this strange heart jump thing.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Sounds like heart failure, meet a cardiologist

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal
I have read your query.
I think I will be able to help you.

The symptoms of the query are suggestive of a heart failure. In this condition, the heart is unable to pump out blood. As a result, the blood is pooled in the heart and lungs which may cause coughing and breathlessness.

When this increases, the heart tries to pump out blood by increasing its speed. This gives the feeling of the heart running or jumping. This is called palpitations.

You need to meet a cardiologist as soon as possible and get an ekg and echocardiography.

Some medicines like diuretics, and ARBs may help you get better, but the diagnosis has to be confirmed first with the tests.

Best of luck
Dr Mittal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (2 hours later)
I have had a series of whooping cough in the nursery I work in and chest infections. Are either of these possible? The pain in my ribs I've been told by a nurse at the walk in centre that it is a torn muscle.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (13 hours later)
Brief Answer:
a possibility, but unlikely to be a diagnosis

Detailed Answer:
hi
yes, possibility may arise
however, I am not fully convinced with that cause as all the symptoms cannot be explained like palpitations.
So, while its a possibility, I would still suggest meeting a cardiologist and then if necessary a pulmonologist.
I hope that answers you.
Best of luck.
Dr Mittal
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Saumya Mittal

Diabetologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2897 Questions

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What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Severe Pain In Ribs On Left Side?

Brief Answer: Sounds like heart failure, meet a cardiologist Detailed Answer: Hi I am Dr Mittal I have read your query. I think I will be able to help you. The symptoms of the query are suggestive of a heart failure. In this condition, the heart is unable to pump out blood. As a result, the blood is pooled in the heart and lungs which may cause coughing and breathlessness. When this increases, the heart tries to pump out blood by increasing its speed. This gives the feeling of the heart running or jumping. This is called palpitations. You need to meet a cardiologist as soon as possible and get an ekg and echocardiography. Some medicines like diuretics, and ARBs may help you get better, but the diagnosis has to be confirmed first with the tests. Best of luck Dr Mittal