pft test

[akolm]

I have been having health concerns for about a year... ended up in the hospital with a very high pulse rate 180 and bp was high had all kind of test including stress test and thyroid I have been back an forth with my th3 & 4 levels being high now normal range.... I still have a high pusle rate resting it can go  120 140 besides the pounding heart and shaking hands I feel short of breath. if I excersise I get out of breath very quickly even walking normal at times I went to the cardio today and was refered to a lung dr for PFT and chest xray. Do you think my high pulse rate can be related to shortness of breath.. I have been a smoker for over 20 years , I have GERD and chronic sinusistes and am currently taking atenol for the high pulse rate
thanks so much for your service!

[National Jewish Health]

There are different reasons for a high pulse rate:
1. Cardiac- A direct effect on pulse
2. Lungs- low oxygen drives a higher pulse
3. Anxiety- stress causes an increased pulse

Smoking can cause this if the effects have been significant on your lung volumes and oxygen carrying capacity.  I PFT will answer this right away.