Hi,
After five months of being told my swollen ankles, shortness of breath and heart palpitations were nothing. My PCP wasn't saying it, but I think he thought it was having panic attacks. I pointed out that swollen ankles weren't caused by panic attacks. He replied, "Anything can be psychological. It starts in your brain. " Fortunately, I have a friend who is a doctor and he told me I needed a cardiologist. I was diagnosed with HCM in November. I'm supposed to have the genetic test in June but the cardiologist said she was certain I have HCM. I've been on a beta blocker and diuretic and am doing better but this is all after cancer treatment and I am feeling blindsided by the heart disease. It seems to have come out of nowhere. I did not have high cholesterol or blood pressure. There was nothing to indicate I might have heart disease. Could this have been triggered by radiation and chemo? Right now I have good days and bad days. It's just good to see what others are experiencing.