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What Causes Shortness Of Breath In A Diabetic?
Question: I am finding myself rather short of breath. Haven't smoked for years. I'm diabetic, injecting Humulin N insulin twice per day, my A1C is 6.8 as of 8/17. Migraines treated with Propranolol and Botox. Essential Tremors treated with DBS neurostimulator and Propranolol. Total Thyroidectomy so I take Levothroxine. Also restless leg so I take Pramipexole. Also, Tachycardia, helped by the Propranolol.
Brief Answer:
My answer as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that there are several medical conditions, which should be investigated considering your cardiovascular risk factors:
- coronary artery disease
- the presence of cardiac arrhythmia like atrial fibrillation can be the cause of shortness of breath (especially considering the fact that you have thyroid dysfunction and are currently taking levothyroxine).
- a lung disorder.
Coming to this point, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests:
- a resting ECG and cardiac enzymes
- a cardiac ultrasound to examine your heart function and structure
- an exercise cardiac stress test
- a chest X ray study and pulmonary function tests
- an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring to investigate for possible cardiac arrhythmia
- an arterial blood gas analysis
- complete blood count for anemia
- thyroid hormone levels for thyroid dysfunction
- blood electrolytes for possible imbalance.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
My answer as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that there are several medical conditions, which should be investigated considering your cardiovascular risk factors:
- coronary artery disease
- the presence of cardiac arrhythmia like atrial fibrillation can be the cause of shortness of breath (especially considering the fact that you have thyroid dysfunction and are currently taking levothyroxine).
- a lung disorder.
Coming to this point, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests:
- a resting ECG and cardiac enzymes
- a cardiac ultrasound to examine your heart function and structure
- an exercise cardiac stress test
- a chest X ray study and pulmonary function tests
- an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring to investigate for possible cardiac arrhythmia
- an arterial blood gas analysis
- complete blood count for anemia
- thyroid hormone levels for thyroid dysfunction
- blood electrolytes for possible imbalance.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello! Thank you for your prompt response. I figured that was going to be your answer. thank you
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I am glad to have been helpful to you!
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I am glad to have been helpful to you!
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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