Short of breath and heart failure

[missy26]

Lately I have been very short of breath, waking up multiple times in the night with heart racing/gasping for air.  I have a fluttery feeling in my chest and the white moons on my fingernails are tinted red(which I red could be a sign of heart failure).

I have had the following test done: Chest X ray, CT scan of chest and EKG. All came back clear.  If I have congestive heart failure would it show up on these tests -Can this now be ruled out?

Thanks.

[Forum-M.D.-MJM]

Hi Missy,
Sorry to hear about your symptoms.  The tests that are ordered depend a lot on the person presenting with the symptoms.  For example a younger person with shortness of breath (SOB) may have different tests than someone who is older.

To answer your questions, an echocardiogram would help assess heart function and possibility of heart failure by assessing valve function and ventricular chamber function.  A blood test for brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) would suggest that heart failure is very unlikely if the result is normal.

I hope this helps answer  your questions.  Good luck and thanks for posting.

[Ihatepalps2]

Hi Missy! I am definatly NOT a doctor...but I am a personal "expert" of sleep apnea... Ive had it for many years. Have you ever talked to your DR about the possibility of that? One of the symptoms can be waking up gasping for air during sleep-it can actually happen many times throughout the night. Ever wake up in the morning with a headache? Extra sleepy throughout the day?
You may not have any or all of these symptoms and still might have sleep apnea. It might be worth a chat with your Dr....
good luck!

[toyota1964]

I had the chest x-ray, EKG, and other tests done at the ER and they didn't find anything wrong with me.  However, they did refer me to a cardiologist for a nuclear stress test.  The cardiologist then did an echocardiogram because the stress test suggested congestive heart failure.  The echo confirmed it.  He followed up with a heart cath to try to determine the cause of the CHF.  I wouldn't assume you are in the clear without having the tests recommended earlier by the forum MD.  Good luck!

[[e-mail]]

I am trying to find out what is wrong with me.  All tests came back from the lab OK.  I have shortness of breathe and feel very tired all the time in the last few weeks.  I am on thyroid medication for hypothyroid (L-Thyroxine) Diovan for Hypertension, Simvastatin, for cholestrol.  I also have Acid Reflux from some of the medication that I've taken in the past and I've recently started taking  Aciphex for Acid Reflux.
From time to time I've had this tired feeling, but in the last 4-6 weeks it's been draining.  I am 60+ years old but always had a lot energy.  I am overweight, but the weight has never stopped me from any activity.  I try to go to the gym 3 days a week, but recently I just don't have the energy.  I do think it's something more than weight.