Angioplasty

[Maheralhatim]

Hi everyone...l had pci for the treatment of three clogged coronary arteries two months ago...l was a heavy smoker but now l'm smoking less than 5 cigarettes a day.. I'm feeling some shortness of breath nowadays which I am not sure of the exact reason for it.. the temperature has rised above 40C, and humidity rised too...so I am not sure why I am feeling that shortness of breath, is it because of the weather or the smoking..... thank you....

[NathanBlau]

I am not qualified to say categorically what is the cause, but I guess that your medical condition and the results of prior heavy smoking are each likely to contribute to your breathing issues. This can also be made worse by some of the drugs that we are given eg Ramipril is often linked to coughs etc.

I am sure that others would also suggest that you stop smoking - even lowered intake will agitate your lungs and possibly affect your recovery.

All the best

[JesusLovesMe62 in reply to NathanBlau]

Hi NathanBlau,

I was a heavy smoker for 35 years. I have had 2 heart attacks , 1 stent and 3 angiograms. I quit smoking as it is a miracle that I am still alive. Unfortunately, smoking will only make your breathing worse

8 years after I quit smoking I was diagnosed with COPD. I thank God that I quit smoking when I had my heart attack.

[Effiecat]

I read so many postings from people who can’t do much to help their hearts. They are fit, not overweight, eat well, possibly have bad heart genes etc. So when I read your story,I just thought... lucky chap.....there’s something he can do.... Give up smoking NOW!!

It can only help you.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Smoking has two effects; a) the nicotine raises the pulse rate and b) the carbon monoxide decreases the oxygen level in the blood. Both of these contribute to breathlessness. Hot/humid weather can also cause problems. So if you stop smoking and after a few days you are still breathless (particularly in a cool room) you need to see a GP. However, if you get chest pain it is straight to A&E!