breathlessness

[123Abc123]

Hi All

I know that AF is progressive. I’ve often had very short episodes of breathlessness but lately this has become noticeable especially in the morning or when walking and talking at the same time. Has anyone got any strategies for dealing with this?

[mjames1]

Are you in afib all the time? What medications are you taking?

Shortness of breath (SOB) can have many causes. It can be heart or lung related. It can be related to medications. It can be a deficiency of hemoglobin and/or Ferritin. It can also sometimes be caused by deconditioning. It could be related to Covid or long Covid. Some suggest Gerd/reflux can cause SOB. Often times it's multi factorial.

When I had SOB, I started with my GP, who gave me a physical exam, listening both to the heart and chest.I had a chest xray. I had blood work done, including a CBC, Ferritin and B12 test. I ended up seeing a pulmonologist for lung function tests. For me, things have resolved somewhat, but next steps might have been a Chest CT scan and a visit to a cardiologist for a work up that might include an echo and/or treadmill stress test.

Jim

[123Abc123 in reply to mjames1]

Thank you- perhaps I’d better look into it!

[mjames1 in reply to 123Abc123]

I'd start with a good GP.

[Arabella63]

When I mentioned my breathlessness, the GP said it was likely caused by Bisoloprol rather than the AF itself.

[Ppiman]

I have had a similarly strange effect when talking since I started with atrial flutter in 2019, and my ablation made no difference to it (but it did stop the flutter; but now I get lots of ectopic beats and some AF).

It's not quite what I would call "breathlessness" but rather a need to breathe in more deeply which can make my voice less strong. I notice that most when I teach or tutor. I've read it is called "air hunger", which makes sense. I put it down to some effect from the left side of my diaphragm as I also often some under rib discomfort at times, sometimes stitch like, and I also have a small hiatus hernia. My GP thinks that might be the reason. I wonder if you have similar?

Steve

[123Abc123 in reply to Ppiman]

Yes, that it exactly it! The under rib discomfort as well. Thanks

[Hidden]

hi , I’ve just came across your post and I’m suffering with SOB , I to have AFib and take digoxin and warfarin , I’ve also I have a hiatus hernia and take PPI for that for many years . But since starting the AFib medication I’ve suffered stomach pain and serious Shortness of breath , any ideas ?