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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Shortness Of Breath After Climbing Stairs. Tingling And Numbness In The Hands. Family History Of Heart Problems. Concerned

I am 45 years old and in the past I have had high blood pressure, lately I have noticed that after I climb stairs, or do very little exercise, I have a shortness of breath, and I have both my arms tingle or go numb. My father has passed away do to his heart, and I have a 51 year old brother that has had a triple bypass. My blood pressure seems to be fine, but I do not know what is going on?
posted on Sun, 12 May 2013
Twitter Sun, 12 May 2013 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 13 May 2013 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
Chronic Hypertension gradually constricts the arteries (in particular the arterioles, the smallest arteries in the body). One possible consequence is an enlarged heart as the heart muscle expands to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed arteries. As the heart enlarges, it starts to work less effectively resulting in CHF. 
If the arteries become damaged in the process they can burst, causing blood to leak into the brain (stroke) or the eyes (causing blindness).
 It also sets the stage for atherosclerosis because as the arteries become damaged they become more prone to plaque forming and gradually become clogged. This is one of the main causes of angina attacks, heart attacks and chest pain.
Since you are having breatlessness and numbness of hands,along with a positive family history and past history of hypertension,you must immediately consult a cardiologist and get yourself investigated thoroughly and treated properly.
Thanks
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Shortness Of Breath After Climbing Stairs. Tingling And Numbness In The Hands. Family History Of Heart Problems. Concerned

Hello, Chronic Hypertension gradually constricts the arteries (in particular the arterioles, the smallest arteries in the body). One possible consequence is an enlarged heart as the heart muscle expands to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed arteries. As the heart enlarges, it starts to work less effectively resulting in CHF.  If the arteries become damaged in the process they can burst, causing blood to leak into the brain (stroke) or the eyes (causing blindness).  It also sets the stage for atherosclerosis because as the arteries become damaged they become more prone to plaque forming and gradually become clogged. This is one of the main causes of angina attacks, heart attacks and chest pain. Since you are having breatlessness and numbness of hands,along with a positive family history and past history of hypertension,you must immediately consult a cardiologist and get yourself investigated thoroughly and treated properly. Thanks