Short of breath

[sara912]

I am a 38 y/o white female and have been experiencing increasing shortness of breath, both upon exertion and at rest.  Within the last several months I have also experienced chest pain and pressure of varying degrees, mostly slightly left of midsternal and sometimes radiating to the left shoulder.  I had a normal ECG and was prescribed xanax for "anxiety", and then prevacid for GERD.  Neither helped.  Finally, I was referred for a stress echo which revealed abnormal ejection fraction slightly less than 50%, and trace mitral valve regurgitation.  The cardiologist did not feel it was serious enough to treat at this time.  I am still experiencing all of the same symptoms, especially shortness of breath, even at night.  I have been sleeping poorly, and using several pillows to prop myself up.  Walking up a flight of stairs, or eating, leaves me unable to speak for a few minutes because I am out of breath.  Should I request another opinion or wait and see how things go?  I should add that I am not necessarily athletic, but not unhealthy or overweight, 5'3" and 123 lbs.

[erbie1]

My daughter had the same problem.  She eventually went to another physician who did your standard chest x-ray.  They found a tumor(benign) that was not found by a pulmonologist or cardiologist.  She was put on medications and it eventually resolved and her SOB went away.

[Fionajnz]

Get a detailed iron panel done to check for severe anemia, plus a pulmonary evaluation. Both can cause SOB.  Your EF is just below normal, I think anything under 50% or so is considered lowish.  However you def should get a second opinion.  This is not normal but you also need a decent work up to look for other causes.  Basically you need symptomatic treatment as much as a reason for the issues.

Fiona

[LLWB]

Have you changed your routine or did the cardo suggest anything? If not, and you are still experienceing symptoms, I would get another opinion.  Maybe there is something you can do to head off problems as you get older. 38 seems young to already be having problems and your dr not showing concern. New dr, girl.