Shortness of breadth

[tk5518]

I had open heart surgery 8 years ago, I used to have AFIB but a valve replacement resolved it so far. I also have sleep apnea and use a cpap. Recently I have been getting up in the middle of the night once or twice to urinate and I am experiencing shortness of breadth. After I urinate it goes away. What could be causing this shortness of breadth? It seems to have gotten worse over the last couple of months

[jeanjeannie50]

Blood pressure has to adapt quickly when we stand up after getting up from our bed. As we grow older it doesn't always manage to do that as quickly as when we were younger. It's best to sit on the side of the bed for a short while before standing, see if doing that helps.

Jean

[tk5518 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks! I need to check my blood pressure to make sure it's not too high. That could very well be the problem.

[Ppiman]

I recall reading that the act of urinating at night-time can cause various issues related, if I recall, to a drop in blood pressure. It's called "micturition syncope" and I gather that it can even bring on an anxiety attack. It might also, I imagine, present as shortness of breath.

Steve

[SeanJax]

please get an echo to get EF. It is possible that it is beginning of HF . Please see your cardiologist and a little of diuretics would help tremendously. In the meantime please follow a low diet sodium and avoid processed food. Small pace waking helps tremendously too. Best wishes.

[credimus]

I have had a/fib for 17 years and tricuspid heart valve op in 2022. I also suffer from frequent nocturnal peeing due to an enlarged prostate. I frequently also get short of breath at night but I attribute this to a slow resting heart beat. I am sure that both are unconnected - if they were interconnected I would suspect water retention which I believe is not an uncommon manifestation with a/fib.