What Causes Labored Breathing, Increased Heart Rate, Dizziness And Fatigue?

Posted on Thu, 30 Jun 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 Answered on

Wed, 20 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : For the last 3-4 weeks, I have been have had very labored breathing, increased heart rate, dizziness and fatigue. Sometimes I feel chills though out my body. I work in an office. The dizziness is usually only at work, however the other symptoms are quite constant. I don't take any medications. I'm 31 years old and in generally good physical condition. I was exercising regularly until these symptoms began. I really don't know what could be causing this and have never experienced this before. What could be causing this?

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Tests

Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your bothersome symptoms. There can be many reasons for your symptoms such as anemia and thyroid problems. A thorough in-person evaluation is necessary rosette mine the cause. Seeing your primary care provider would be a good start. When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:

CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH (checks your thyroid)

25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
 None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar