Shortness of breath when driving (not diving...!)

[mikefff]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted your thoughts on an irritating issue I can't figure out.

Sometimes when I go out driving I get slight shortness of breath. I'll be absolutely fine in the house, then set off driving and a few minutes later it occurs.

Similar to after a large meal (which I've stopped having!)

FYI I'm on 2.5 bisiprololx1 & 5 apixabanx2 daily.

Thanks,

Mike

[BobD Volunteer]

How big is your stomach? Sitting behind the wheel can put pressure on your diaphragm if it is large. Consider your driving position, wrists should just sit on top of the wheel with you back in your seat and head against restraint. Hands at ten to two when driving. (ROSPA recommendations)

[mikefff in reply to BobD]

That makes sense, it must be that kind of thing going on. If sitting at home there's no issues, but I suppose the diving position is different.

[CDreamer in reply to mikefff]

When I read your post ‘SOB when Diving’, my heart skipped several beats! I am an ex-diver because of AF….

[wilsond in reply to CDreamer]

Me too! Only when I started to read the actual post did I breath sigh of relief!

[mikefff in reply to CDreamer]

Argh phone texting

[Buzby62 in reply to mikefff]

You can amend the diving/driving typo if you wish, use the More and Edit option after your post and then Save. Sorry I can’t contribute to your question other than to ask if driving makes you anxious, consciously or subconsciously. Just a thought.

Best wishes

[mikefff in reply to Buzby62]

Possibly. Subconciously I might be thinking of my first really bad episode, in the car after a gym session.

[Responsable]

Yes, I have noticed exactly the same problems as you (I am 72 kg and have no big belly problem, lol)! The worst would be to go for a drive after overeating! Being 72 yo, I am pleased not to be on any medication and not to have more serious health problems. Have you noticed that, after longer drive, you have problems to get asleep...? I have noticed it, in the past decade of my life.

[LindaDaisy]

I am in permanent AF. Fully medicated and fairly stable. When I go out in my husband MG (not good suspension) and we are on winding bumpy potholed back roads, my heart rate shoots up. No it’s not his driving! Straight A roads are fine.

[mikefff in reply to LindaDaisy]

Oh no! Well with me it's a slight shortness of breath that can last whole journey or few minutes. Quite random.

[Ppiman]

I’ve had this at times - a feeling if needing to breathe more deeply at least. I’m guessing the seating position of cars can push the stomach into the diaphragm, and that against the heart, both possibly causing the issue?

Steve