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What Causes Shortness Of Breath In Elderly?
Question: I am an active, healthy 69 year old woman. Yesterday I was climbing a hill, and my left arm felt heavy & achy, and I experienced a little SOB, both abnormal symptoms for me. My feet have felt burning or cold & tingly for approx 6 months. I called my doctor today (whom I've never even seen), but can't reach him until Tuesday as Monday is a holiday in Massachusetts. Any ideas on what this could Be?
I don't want an oncologist, and prefer a cardiologist.
I don't want an oncologist, and prefer a cardiologist.
Brief Answer:
You should go immediately on emergency department.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query very carefully and understood your concerns.
You have experienced on physical effort (climbing a hill) pain on your left hand (heavy and achy) accompanied with shortness of breath (dyspnea). This sign should be properly evaluated because these may be signs for imminent heart infarction.
I suggest that, instead of waiting for your doctor, you should go immediately on emergency department. My opinion is that an ECG, chest x ray and blood work are essential to exclude life threatening emergencies. Only after doing so you can wait for Tuesday appointment.
If you were my patient I would run the following examinations to find out what has caused your symptoms:
- Blood work (to exclude anemia)
- ECG
- Cardiac ECHO (to exclude heart failure or any other anomalies)
- Stress test (to exclude high risk pectoral angina and critical coronary arteries blockage)
Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
You should go immediately on emergency department.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query very carefully and understood your concerns.
You have experienced on physical effort (climbing a hill) pain on your left hand (heavy and achy) accompanied with shortness of breath (dyspnea). This sign should be properly evaluated because these may be signs for imminent heart infarction.
I suggest that, instead of waiting for your doctor, you should go immediately on emergency department. My opinion is that an ECG, chest x ray and blood work are essential to exclude life threatening emergencies. Only after doing so you can wait for Tuesday appointment.
If you were my patient I would run the following examinations to find out what has caused your symptoms:
- Blood work (to exclude anemia)
- ECG
- Cardiac ECHO (to exclude heart failure or any other anomalies)
- Stress test (to exclude high risk pectoral angina and critical coronary arteries blockage)
Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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