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What Causes Swelling In The Ankles And Shortness Of Breath?

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Posted on Fri, 6 Oct 2017
Question: Hi, I. Was admitted to hospital In XXXXXXX with very swollen ankles and shortness of breath. All tests came back clear for pulmonary embolism which I had had 2 yrs previous. Stats remained 88& to 90% on oxygen for ten days then discharged with out patient appt for MRI and echocardiogram.
Had results in post a week later and was amazed to see that it said something on echo suggested previous myocardial infarction at bottom of the heart. CT also showed ground glass opacity on lungs.
I am being treated by respiratory Dr who is measuring my lung function. I still have not had out patient follow up with cardiologist my appointment is in three weeks.
Right now I am continually tired and breathless.
What can I expect the cardiologist to do if anything and is there any chance of improvement. I have lost almost 35% of lung function. Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
would determine if there is heart failure , start medications

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Abnormal function of the heart with or without lung disease can present with fatigue and shortness of breath.
The area of the heart which had the MI (myocardial infarction) may not be functioning as it should. In most cases of MI, there is decreased or altered wall motion.

This can cause heart failure in some persons.

Your cardiologist can prescribe medications to try and modify heart function.

There are a number of different medications that are used for heart failure, if this diagnosed.
Medications in different drug families such as ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics (if there fluid build up). These are only some of the types of meds that can be used.

The main possible treatment would be medications. Other aspects would be restriction of dietary sodium and fluid intake, appropriate directed physical activity and attention to weight gain

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (13 hours later)
Thank you for your very helpful reply. I was hoping heart failure would not be the case.
I am very worried I have both lung disease of some undiagnosed as yet form, plus the heart disease.
I will see what prognosis my cardiologist and respiratory specialist have to say at beginning of Oct.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
may not be the case, would need assessment to determine

Detailed Answer:
HI

Yes, MI can cause heart failure in some persons, but this may not be the case for you. The doctor would need to determine if this is the case.

If it is found, there are medications that may be able to help you so that you can breathe better

Wishing you the best, if there are any other queries, then please feel free to ask
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Swelling In The Ankles And Shortness Of Breath?

Brief Answer: would determine if there is heart failure , start medications Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Abnormal function of the heart with or without lung disease can present with fatigue and shortness of breath. The area of the heart which had the MI (myocardial infarction) may not be functioning as it should. In most cases of MI, there is decreased or altered wall motion. This can cause heart failure in some persons. Your cardiologist can prescribe medications to try and modify heart function. There are a number of different medications that are used for heart failure, if this diagnosed. Medications in different drug families such as ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics (if there fluid build up). These are only some of the types of meds that can be used. The main possible treatment would be medications. Other aspects would be restriction of dietary sodium and fluid intake, appropriate directed physical activity and attention to weight gain I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions