why am i out of breath all the time??

[YZ1911]

i am only 24 yrs old. 6'1 220. my cholesterol level is 230. my oxygen saturation is always very good from 98-100%. but my respiratory rate is anywhere from 24 at rest to 34. i wake up out of breath and when i walk just a single block or walk up a flight of stairs,i am very breathless. my heart is also beating very fast during that time. at my age,what could be the problem? i drink sunkist,i eat normal,i have never smoked or drank alcohol or done any drugs. should i get a chest x-ray? can my lungs be the problem at such a young age? and one final thing..my resting heart rate is anywhere from 90-110 even after taking a beta blocker,is that fine?? thanks.

[maddie102684]

You have very similar symtoms as me. My testing did not show anthing wrong with my heart. They have not told me why I am having these symtoms. I am 27 5'5 and 125lbs and very active prior to this. I feel more like its hard to catch my breath or the need of taking a deep breath. I am seeing a cardiologist that is an electrophysiologist specialist. I hope the medications your Dr perscibed are helping if not I would suggest you ask to see a EP specialist for further work up and is always good to get second opinion. Goodluck

[MichelleP_3811]

I am sorry to hear that.  You are young to have such troubles but it could be a heredity thing or you may have caught a virus that affected your heart at some point and now you are feeling the effects.  Sometimes we just never know.  Well make sure you keep on top of this.  Did your doctor recommend any sort of exercise program?  I am not sure what is allowed with heart failure but I know exercise in general is usually pretty good for the heart.  

[YZ1911]

ok,i now know what my problem is. i went to cardiologist and got an ekg that said possible left atrial enlargement. the cardiologist also said that i had ankle swelling. i was prescribed some diuretics and beta blockers. i am just 24,i have no idea why my heart is giving me trouble at such a young age.

[MichelleP_3811]

I would definitely go see a doctor who will likely send you to a cardiologist to get your heart checked out.  Your cholesterol is high but not crazy out of line and not likely to cause you problems at your age but there could be other issues that need to be addressed so go see your doctor to get a work up on your heart.  Best of luck and keep us posted on how you are doing.