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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Abnormal Breath A Cause For Concern In A Person With Atrial Fibrillation?

My husband has severe shortness of breath with just walking from one room to another inside the house. He stopped smoking in 1993 and has only minimal COPD now. His bronchioles are clear. His chest x-ray is good. He has sleep apnea and use the CPAP at night. He has Atrial Fibrillation. What could be causing the shortness of breath?
Mon, 25 Apr 2016
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  Anonymous's Response
's  Response
Shortness of breath is commonly present in patients with atrial fibrilation with or without COPD. This happens in case of high heart rate, over 90 beats/minute. This is because the time needed for the ventricles to get filled with blood is shorter, leading to less effective ventricle contraction, and less periferial blood supply, including lungs. So I would suggest you to check up the heart rate and to add some B1-selective Blocker, such as Nebivolol or Bisoprolol to your therapy.
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Is Abnormal Breath A Cause For Concern In A Person With Atrial Fibrillation?

Shortness of breath is commonly present in patients with atrial fibrilation with or without COPD. This happens in case of high heart rate, over 90 beats/minute. This is because the time needed for the ventricles to get filled with blood is shorter, leading to less effective ventricle contraction, and less periferial blood supply, including lungs. So I would suggest you to check up the heart rate and to add some B1-selective Blocker, such as Nebivolol or Bisoprolol to your therapy.