Rapid heartbeat and heavy breathing after walking

Recently, after I walk only a short way (maybe 20 - 30 feet), my pulse goes up to 80-90 beats/minute and I start breathing heavily. If I try to walk much further, I have to sit down and my legs get weak. Other factors that may or may not apply: After walking or standing for a short time, my feet go numb with the numbness spreading up to my calves if I continue standing or walking. Heat seems to make the above pulse and breathing symptoms come on faster. Wet air, whether hot or cold, causes the symptoms, even if I'm just standing and moving a little. I sweat profusely (like I've been in a shower) when in the heat and/or sun; it can be 80 degrees and sunny, and I break out into a bad sweat, even without much movement. This seems to make my pulse rate and breathing even heavier and more difficult to recover from. The sweating and numbness started a year or two ago. The pulse rate and breathing problems started a few months ago.

[Flycaster305]

Certainly, you should be seeing a doctor for these systoms of disease.  A doctor, I'm betting, will be interested in determining if you are overweight, do you smoke, and would want to have a full blood test done to look at your general health as well as thyroid, kidney function, blood sugar levels.  With the serious nature of your symptoms, you shouldn't look for answers on the internet, you need to contact a physician.  After contacting a doctor and getting some answers, let us know what was determined to be the cause of the problem.

[kenkeith]

You have serious symptoms that can be related to your heart and/or your respiratory system.  Even if the symptoms subside,  you should still get an exam to rule out any heart damage, etc.  I'm surprised you didn't see a doctor a couple of months age  High pulse rate and shortness of breath was the only symptoms needed for me to get into ER.  I learned I had had a silent heart attack sometime prior.

[joinme]

Yes, I'm going to see a Dr., but I appreciate your information. I had a regular yearly physical in February, but everything was normal. I do take Synthroid, but don't smoke, etc.

[kenkeith]

Good luck and keep us informed.  Thanks for sharing and take care.