Deep breathing problems

Posted By Frank on January 27, 1999 at 12:31:22:







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!