I’m having shortness of breath and heart palpitations

Posted by riflemanz64 @riflemanz64, Sep 19 8:15am

I started having shortness of breath and heart palpitations while doing a fast 2 mile walk. My calcium score was in the 600’s. I went to the hospital and they checked me out and said it was heart palpitations and to go see my primary doctor. I see him this Monday morning and will ask for a stress test. Hopefully he’ll send me to a cardiologist. When this happens my lungs feel heavy and like they’re trying to fill up twice. It’s kind of weird to describe but something is definitely wrong. Anyone have this happen to them? I’ll be 70 years old in October.

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minnesota10 | @minnesota10 | Sep 19 9:03am

Your family doctor can order the test.
Then your doctor will decide the next steps.
Good luck.

kobe2026 | @kobe2026 | Sep 19 9:40am

what meds are you on, also are you overweight?

gloaming | @gloaming | Sep 19 10:08am

Unfortunately, this is very common in aged people. About 10% of all humans will experience arrhythmia at least once in their lifetime. The palpitations are the sensation, but the arrhythmia must be determined with an electrocardiogram (ECG). Your doctor will order that, and with your calcium score, yes, they'll probably want a stress test to test for ischemia. Don't fret. It is treatable.

jc76 | @jc76 | Sep 20 6:53am

@rifelmanz64
We on MCC do not know your medical and mental history. I see a lot of question in response to your post.

Many of the questions can explain your symptoms and that is why you talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Being overweight (I am) can cause your symptoms as I have had the same when I gained a lot of weight.

Medications, wow I have had many reactions to them and when I brought them to my doctors attention in some case changed them or was advise would only be temporary.

I am speaking on my experience with this. Stress and anxiety can cause your symptoms also. They did with me. I was given some deep breathing techniques to help with breathing. When you fast walk you are asking for a lot of air (I do Sprint Triathlons where I don't run but race walk) for your activity. If you don't get it you can have symptoms.

Has anyone mentioned having a holter monitor test to see if any electrical problems. I have problems with PVCs, and on and off AFIB which also mirror your same symptoms.

It can be caused by many things. Worry about them will just cause more anxiety and stress so tell your doctor all symptoms and what you are feeling both physically and mentally when you get those symptoms.
Good luck

riflemanz64 | @riflemanz64 | Sep 20 12:31pm

I’m not overweight and exercise everyday. I take zetia, Lipitor, singular. Mental is great. I’m happy every day. I do have some stress from other people in my life.

riflemanz64 | @riflemanz64 | Sep 22 5:31pm

Saw the doctor today and he ordered a stress test and electrocardiogram. He put me on a baby aspirin too. Hopefully I’ll know soon. I cut the grass today and my heart rate was 162 on my watch.

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