HomeAnswersCardiologybreathing problemsDoes breathlessness and chest pain after a viral infection shows suggest any cardiac problem?

What are the reasons for breathlessness and chest pain after a viral infection?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Isaac Gana

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At May 12, 2022
Reviewed AtDecember 7, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello,

Two months back, I got a viral infection (cold), followed by fatigue, shortness of breath, and intermittent chest pain on the left side after activities and even at rest. I had regular episodes of fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain after viral infections during the last few years also. I am worried about my heart condition and would like to get it checked. After the viral infection, I have had difficulties recovering from fatigue, shortness of breath lasting for two months, and chest pain. I have a low resting pulse. I am not under any medication currently. Last month, I had some lab tests that included an x-ray and blood test. My doctor said reports are normal. Today I had an ECG done using an H10 Polar chest strap. Please see the attached reports and help me.

Answered by Dr. Isaac Gana

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for reaching out to us. I read your query and understand your concern. Please do not worry. You will be fine. I went through the results you attached (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity), and I did not see any abnormality. Your symptoms are not specific to only heart diseases. There are lots of diseases or ailments that can give such symptoms. But your symptoms are very typical of pericarditis. Please answer a few questions. Have you taken any medication for pain since the pain started? Do you have any results of complete blood count tests? This will be very helpful in knowing the nature of the infection you had. Which medications have you taken since your symptoms began? Did you experience any changes in thirst or taste in the past two months? Were you tested or diagnosed with COVID infection? Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you, doctor, for the immediate answer,

My blood count results from last month were normal. I have a history of neutropenia in the morning. A COVID test taken two months back was negative. What do you think of the biphasic T wave and the rhythm of raising and falling R wave heights in the ECG? Please explain.

Answered by Dr. Isaac Gana

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. I have examined your electrocardiogram (ECG) reports (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). There is Upsloping ST depression which denotes an ischemic change. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Isaac Gana
Dr. Isaac Gana

Cardiology

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