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Fast heart rate breathless feeling

6 weeks ago, I had a ct of the chest to determine why I was becoming increasingly winded when walking short distances.  my heart rate was also elevated.  My normal resting rate of the mid 80s was n the mid to upper 90s.  It turned out that I had a large pericardial effusion which was confirmed by an echo.  I had a liter of blood drained.  Three days later the symptoms returned and a repeat echo showed that fluid was reforming and the aortic chamber was collapsing. I ended up having a window.  After about 10 days, the winded feeling started to return. An echo was normal but winded feeling got progressively worse.  My resting rate is now between 95-99 and after walking for 3 or 4,minutes it goes up to 125.  Sometimes just sitting, I am breathing heavily.  I just finished a 24 hour heart monitor which I will bring back to the cardiologist on Monday.  Blood work ruled out anemia, kidney or liver problems.  I am scheduled to have a right heart catheterization on Wendsday.  I am getting nervous about why out of the clear blue a healthy 57 year old would have all these problems. I am getting very nervous about the catheterization!!!   Any information would be appreciated.  
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63984 tn?1385437939
It is impossible for a peer, so to speak, to speculate, except to remind you that if you have a heart problem, hearts are routinely fixed these days.

Do keep us informed what was discovered during your procedure, and precede with confidence.
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Avatar universal
We're they ever able to come up with a diagnosis/ treatment?   Today my husband and I just walked around the block and my pulse was 124 and I was huffing and puffing. 3 months ago we were able to go on a one mile walk without any problem.  This is crazy!!!!
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63984 tn?1385437939
I think right side caths are usually done when investigating valves, and left side caths are done to check for arterial blockages.  I've had a lot of left side caths, only one right side cath, but it was the same procedure, the doctor was just standing on the other side of the table.  You will be feeling no pain or anxiety, they give you drugs that really relax you.  After one procedure, a nurse asked me where I learned such bawdy tavern drinking songs!
I'm betting you have some kind of heart issue.  As a peer with heart issues, it is best to get as much information as you can.  Caths are minimally invasive, you will be fine, and learn a lot.  Do let us know what was discovered during the cath.  Remember, they can fix hearts.  I had the same symptoms as you fifteen years ago, and I'm still standing!
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Avatar universal
Has anyone had a diagnostic right heart catheterization?   What was t
Your experience?
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Avatar universal
Unfortunately, we are not doctors, Amy, and you are describing a complicated diagnostic problem.

I know this must be very scary for you, but I really believe you need to ask your doctor to explain this to you, because he has the results of your  tests, and only he can give you answers based on them.
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