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What Causes Shortness Of Breath, Severe Fatigue, Swollen Legs And Dry Cough?

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Posted on Sat, 25 Mar 2017
Question: I have shortness of breath, severe fatigue and I cannot breathe while laying flat. Other symptoms include edema in legs feet and hands and a dry hacking cough. Had an echo done two weeks ago which was normal. What's going on?
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Answered by Dr. Rishu Saxena (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Repeat 2d echo.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query.
Have noted all your details.

Most likely your symptoms can be because of congestive cardiac failure. But your 2d echo was normal. I would suggest you to repeat a 2d echo. 2d echo is a manual tests and result depends on the quality of machine and experience of technician capturing the views. As your symptoms are very specific of congestive cardiac failure a repeat echo should be done.

Cardiac failure is not indicative of a defect in heart; but its a situation when the heart pumps weaker than what is generally deemed as natural.Therefore the blood flows at a slower rate to the heart and the body that in turn increases pressure in the heart.In an attempt to hold more blood, heart stretches its chambers. Though this strenuous effort may keep the blood moving, it would gradually and inevitably weary the heart with all the effort. Subsequently, the kidney responds by retaining more salt and fluid in the body. These fluids may accumulate in different parts of the body, mainly in the legs, feet, ankles leading to congestion in the body. This very condition in medical terminology is referred to as congestive heart failure.

Most common cause of CHF is Coronary artery disease.
I would suggest you some of the baseline tests of cardiology to rule out Coronary artery disease apart from 2d echo
Stress test-Any ischemia to cardiac muscles will be reflected in stress test.
Combine together with echo they have a sensitivity rate of more then 85% to rule out coronary artery disease.
Other tests adviced are
Liver function test(to rule out liver as a cause of symptoms)-Liver failure can also cause fluid overload in body.
Renal function test(To rule out kidney problem)
Fasting lipid profile
Thyroid profile-Hypothyroidism can lead to pedal edema.
Pulmonary function test(to rule out respiratory involvement)
Fasting and post prandial blood sugar
Blood pressure recordings.

Thanks and follow up with reports.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Rishu Saxena

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 696 Questions

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What Causes Shortness Of Breath, Severe Fatigue, Swollen Legs And Dry Cough?

Brief Answer: Repeat 2d echo. Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query. Have noted all your details. Most likely your symptoms can be because of congestive cardiac failure. But your 2d echo was normal. I would suggest you to repeat a 2d echo. 2d echo is a manual tests and result depends on the quality of machine and experience of technician capturing the views. As your symptoms are very specific of congestive cardiac failure a repeat echo should be done. Cardiac failure is not indicative of a defect in heart; but its a situation when the heart pumps weaker than what is generally deemed as natural.Therefore the blood flows at a slower rate to the heart and the body that in turn increases pressure in the heart.In an attempt to hold more blood, heart stretches its chambers. Though this strenuous effort may keep the blood moving, it would gradually and inevitably weary the heart with all the effort. Subsequently, the kidney responds by retaining more salt and fluid in the body. These fluids may accumulate in different parts of the body, mainly in the legs, feet, ankles leading to congestion in the body. This very condition in medical terminology is referred to as congestive heart failure. Most common cause of CHF is Coronary artery disease. I would suggest you some of the baseline tests of cardiology to rule out Coronary artery disease apart from 2d echo Stress test-Any ischemia to cardiac muscles will be reflected in stress test. Combine together with echo they have a sensitivity rate of more then 85% to rule out coronary artery disease. Other tests adviced are Liver function test(to rule out liver as a cause of symptoms)-Liver failure can also cause fluid overload in body. Renal function test(To rule out kidney problem) Fasting lipid profile Thyroid profile-Hypothyroidism can lead to pedal edema. Pulmonary function test(to rule out respiratory involvement) Fasting and post prandial blood sugar Blood pressure recordings. Thanks and follow up with reports.