Deep breathing problems

  Dr. I am a male age 51 who has had a problem with "deep breathing" upon exercising. I've always exercised and recently had a stress test and I am fairly healthy. My height is 6'4" and my weight is 220lbs and doesn't change much from year to year. I drink about 4 to 5 beers a week. When I was younger, age 10 or so I had the same problem with "deep breaths" I could not run as fast or as far as the other kids. Over the years though, my breathing when exercising got better, untill about 4 years ago. My Dr. told me the depression and anxiety I am diagnosed with are the culprets of my breathing problems. I don't know about that. Even when I feel great I have a problem with "deep breaths." I also notice that when I go to bed upon lying down and before I doze off I also have a problem "deep breathing." When I sit up or stand my breathing is better. I drive my wife crazy as I lay there trying to catch my breath. I have been on Prozac 25mg's for about 6 years, and also take 21/2mg's Zebeta for high blood pressure. Also I take 25mg's of hydrochlorothiazide and 10 mg's of elavil. I recently had a stress test because I was having heart palpitations. After the stress test the Heart Dr. changed my blood pressure medication to Zebeta, and the palpitations stopped. Could I have cardiomyopathy that is undiagnosed? I did not tell the Heart Dr. at the time of the stress test about my inability to take a deep breath upon exertion because I didn't think I had to. My Dr. said depression and anxiety was the cause. Can you advise. Thanks!

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

Dear Frank, thank you for your question.  I doubt you have cardiomyopathy.  Most likely, you have a mild form of asthma that can be diagnosed with pulmonary function tests.   If the results of your stress test were normal, then your shortness of breath is not caused by the heart.  Anxiety and depression could certainly be playing a role as well, so you should continue treatment for those problems.  I recommend that you see a general internist who should be well-equipped to investigate this problem for you.  

I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.  Good luck.
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