What Causes Shortness Of Breath In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Thu, 3 Nov 2016

Question: I am 92 years old and reciently have developed a shortness of breath. it clears up when I rest for a short period

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend performing some tests.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for asking on HCM!

I would explain that his symptoms could be related to heart failure or coronary artery disease.

This situation could also be caused by chronic anemia or a chronic lung disease.

For this reason, I would recommend consulting with his attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests:

- a chest x-ray study and respiratory function tests to exclude a possible lung disease
- a resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound
- NT pro - BNP levels for possible heart failure
- complete blood count for anemia
- kidney and liver function tests
- blood electrolytes.

An optimization of his therapy may be needed ( adding a diuretic).

You should discuss with his doctor on the above issues!

Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

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