shortness of breath

[jhess]

Hi,
for the last couple of years i have expieranced (I guess) heart palpatations and shortness of breath. I went to the doctor   and they did an EKG which came back normal. They told me to cut back on cafine (which I did not do). The same thing kept happening every now and then. I would sometimes get light headed and confused on my surrondings. Than as fast as these symptoms came they would be gone.  Now, a couple years later and 15 weeks pregnant they are still happening. Now I am more worried. I cut back on cafine alot, so I know that isnt the problem. I made a doctors appoinment but am worried they are going to tell me it is stress or something. I really do not think I am all tha stressed and if I am, these have been going on now for 2 years on and off?  Asthma runs in the family but my doctors have never said they think I have it. My grandmother had a brain anurizum. Other than that I do not know of any family medical problem.       Next time I have one of these episodes would it be overreacting to go to the E.R.


This discussion is related to Athlete's Heart?.

[Ericaand4kids]

Hi, hopefully it is nothing but stress or caffeine ;)! But if it takes going to the ER to find out then do it. I would see if you can get them to run some different tests. My EKG's are fine yet I have some heart related problems. EKG's don't show everything. Perhaps if you go to the ER they will do chest xrays and an echocardiogram at least. It may give you more peace of mind to have these done. Congrats on the pregnancy!!
PS. I quit caffeine completely after finding out I have cardiomyopathy. While I wasn't told to, it just makes me feel better and I know that my palpitations aren't caused by caffeine. I used to be a real cola addict!

[oriole]

I know caffeine can effect you in a variety of ways as can stress.  It does seem (to me at least) that Doctors think everyone is stressed and needs to stop drinking coffee and soda.  Personally I think the stress usually follows the symptoms and doesn't cause them.  Just my opinion.  
I don't think going to the ER would be overreacting.  You are expecting a child (Congrats!) and just to ensure your health and the safety of the Baby it wouldn't hurt to get it checked out.
I pray that you would have peace as you deal with this.