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High Pulse Rate, Breathlessness, Cold To Touch, Fever. Due To Cold Weather?
I m not certain if this is only a viral illness , but I ve recently, as recent as last night, have been having a shortage of breath, all the while my heart has been feeling quite weird, almost as if it s flip-flopping around in my chest . I ve had heart tests before, though heart conditions and diseases run in my family. It s snowing outside, so I m not certain if the cold air has been contributing to my shortage of breath. I m freezing cold, but was running a high fever late last night and early this morning. Is this normal?
posted on
Mon, 24 Dec 2012
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 25 Dec 2012
Answered on
Wed, 26 Dec 2012
Last reviewed on
Hi there,
Thanks for writing in.
I am a qualified and certified cardiologist. I read your mail with diligence.
Though it is most likely what you are suspecting a viral infection which is a common occurrence in cold. But two things which you have written do cause a little more concern. One is your heart is flip flopping that may mean heart beating out of rhythm that is arrhythmia and your rapid breathing that may mean bacterial pneumonia. If you have fever now also then later is a strong possibility. In any case no harm will be done if you are taken to ER and seen by a doctor who after thorough physical examination may choose do a chest x-ray, ECG and some blood tests before declaring you fit enough to return home. Every one will better. Please do not hesitate in doing that you will be comfortable and free from worry. Good Luck.
Best Wishes
Dr Anil Grover
Thanks for writing in.
I am a qualified and certified cardiologist. I read your mail with diligence.
Though it is most likely what you are suspecting a viral infection which is a common occurrence in cold. But two things which you have written do cause a little more concern. One is your heart is flip flopping that may mean heart beating out of rhythm that is arrhythmia and your rapid breathing that may mean bacterial pneumonia. If you have fever now also then later is a strong possibility. In any case no harm will be done if you are taken to ER and seen by a doctor who after thorough physical examination may choose do a chest x-ray, ECG and some blood tests before declaring you fit enough to return home. Every one will better. Please do not hesitate in doing that you will be comfortable and free from worry. Good Luck.
Best Wishes
Dr Anil Grover
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