HomeAnswersCardiologyshortness of breathWhat do symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, and lightheadedness indicate?

I suffer shortness of breath with dizziness, lightheadedness, and left arm pain. Kindly help.

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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.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At January 30, 2021
Reviewed AtJuly 4, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 31-year-old female. I weigh about 264 lbs, and my height is 5'3. Last week evening, I felt like my heart stopped, and I had to force air into my lungs and had shortness of breath, dizziness, light-headedness, and pain in the lower left arm. I do not have chest pain. The next day morning, I went to the ER. Blood work, chest x-ray, and EKG came back fine. CAT scan was not performed. I saw my family doctor. He did blood work for my thyroid, and those scans were fine. Results were said to be anxiety. I was put on SSRIs and given anti-anxiety medication, but still labored breathing on and off. During the night, I woke up because I could not breathe and was dizzy. I get winded and tired even more. Doctor reinforced the anxiety diagnosis and Psychologist referral given. I will randomly get dizzy and light-headed now with breathlessness. Is this something I should get a second opinion about? Medications: Lisinopril 20 mg daily, Hydrochlorothiazide 25 daily, Sertraline 50 mg daily, Hydroxyzine HCL 25 mg as needed. Daily women's vitamin, iron. Previous surgeries: Tonsillectomy, gall bladder removal, corneal transplant. Conditions: hypertension, anemia, morbid obesity, keratoconus, GERD, anxiety, depression. Lifestyle changes: stopped smoking, started small weight training and movement exercises, yoga and deep breathing. Dietary changes as well to lose weight. Two years ago I was 400 lbs. I have slowly been trying to lose weight.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concerns, worries, and pain you are going through. I hope my reply will clarify your concerns and give you a sigh of relief. I have seen all your lab reports and found normal (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The symptoms you described are most probably due to anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Continue anti-depressants and pass an active lifestyle. Do regular exercise to reduce weight, and consume a Mediterranean diet and take adequate sleep. How are your estrogen and progesterone status and your menstrual regularity? Do you have obstructive sleep apnea?

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

My issue is that I am light-headed and out of breath when I get up. Lightheadedness and out of breath happens throughout the day, and this started two days. I do not have any hormone testing done, but my cycle is regular, and I keep track of that on an app. I had sleep apnea before tonsillectomy. It is not an issue now.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

For lightheadedness when you get up, see whether there is a postural drop in your blood pressure. For that, take a blood pressure reading while you are lying on the bed straight and immediately upon standing from the recumbent position. Postural BP drop is called orthostatic hypotension. This can happen with Hydrochlorothiazide and other anti-hypertensive medications. Medications may need to be adjusted if there is a postural drop. At what time shortness of breath occurs? During lying down or during walking or exertion? Is there any cough or swelling of the feet? Regarding shortness of breath, please have echocardiography done to see the function of the heart. Obese persons are at the risk of developing left ventricular dysfunction. Send me ECG and echocardiography then. Have chest x-ray done as well if not done after development of shortness of breath?

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

Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq
Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq

Cardiology

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