I am a 5’10” 285lbs 48 year old white male. No history of any problems beside my weight. I work out at the gym 4 days a week from 1 to 2 hours each time. blood pressure is usually around 135/85. I am currently taking a Lovastatin since June 2004. Last July I was watching TV and started having trouble breathing, I couldn’t catch breath. I went to the emergency room and was admitted for tests. After doing every test for the heart ( stress EKG, Nuclear dye, Angiogram ) was told it wasn’t my heart and was release without saying what was wrong. Last week I went to sleep at 7:00pm and awoke at 11:30pm having trouble breathing ( I couldn’t catch my breath ) I felt like I was going to pass out, sitting up in bed I felt a little better but it came and went. I remember the last time I went to the hospital that I felt fine at the hospital no problems breathing, so I went to the hospital parking lot and sat in my car for 2 hours ( I did not go into the emergency room ) and everything was fine so I went home. I have had it happen again for the next 4 days but not as bad and only when I am in bed or driving my car and always at rest. During this time I still worked out at the gym but can only go about half as hardas I usually go.
Dr. Joshua’s Answer:
I’m happy that thorough cardiac examinations were done, and turned out normal. I’m pretty sure they took a chest X-ray as well, so the lungs have been looked at as well, although chest X-ray does not exclude all lung diseases such as asthma. A consultation with a pulmonologist (lung doctor) might be in order if these attacks continue to recur.
One possible reason for these two attacks is hyperventilation. This occurs when a subjective feeling of the shortness of breath causes one to increase one’s breathing to the point that carbon dioxide levels fall and blood becomes alkalic (high pH). This in turn worsens the condition and a vicious circle ensues. Numbness, tingling of hands are often associated with hyperventilation. These attacks are self-limiting, but at worst may result in loss of consciousness. Breathing in a paper bag will provide quick relief. Increased stress (emotional, work, etc…) may provoke hyperventilation.
However, I’m not entirely satisfied with this explanation because you mention that you can’t go as hard at the gym as you usually can. This may point to some other underlying problem.
I recommend that you talk to the family doctor, or schedule an appointment with a pulmonary specialist.
Discuss this topic on the Health Forum
More answers in Family Doctor, Heart, Internal Medicine
