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What could cause shortness of breath?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been diagnosed with hypertension and tachycardia. Every time I walk up the stairs or go for a walk, I feel like I am running out of breath. I can hear my heart throbbing in my right ear. This started four months ago. I am also overweight. Currently, I am taking Amlodipine and Metoprolol.

Please let me know what might be going on.

Answered by Dr. Amiya Kumar Chattopadhyay

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I suggest that you have some blood tests done, including free T4, T3, TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), hemoglobin (Hb%), fasting blood sugar (FBS), and Holter monitoring to evaluate your maximum and minimum heart rate and identify any other abnormalities. Ensure that your blood pressure is adequately controlled, and continue taking Metoprolol, adjusting the dose based on your blood pressure.

Regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

My free T4, T3, and TSH results came back normal. I am not sure what Hb% (hemoglobin), FBS (fasting blood sugar), and Holter monitoring are. Can you explain these tests? I have been checking my blood pressure with a portable blood pressure machine. I do not have insurance to see a cardiologist. My doctor wanted to refer me to one, but I am unable to go due to that reason. Can you suggest some diagnostic tests for me to take? Also, can I follow up with you?

Answered by Dr. Amiya Kumar Chattopadhyay

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Holter monitoring involves 24-hour continuous cardiac monitoring. It evaluates maximum and minimum heart rates, heart rhythm, and any abnormalities. It may provide some insight into your tachycardia. You have not mentioned your blood pressure recordings or the dose of Metoprolol you are taking. You can follow up with me, but for these types of problems, you need a physical examination by your local doctor. You mentioned that you feel out of breath when going up stairs or walking down. An echocardiogram will help evaluate overall cardiac function. Do you suffer from stress or anxiety?

Hb% helps identify anemia, which may also cause shortness of breath. If you have lung problems, there could be an issue related to that as well. You are very young, so it is important to evaluate your condition properly.

Thanks and regards.

Answered byDr. Amiya Kumar Chattopadhyay

Medically reviewed byDr. K. Shobana

Published At June 14, 2018
Reviewed AtNovember 25, 2025

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

Dr. Amiya Kumar Chattopadhyay
Dr. Amiya Kumar Chattopadhyay

Cardiology

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