Heart Disease and Heart Attack Forum - Breathlessness upon exertion

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Q: Breathlessness upon exertion

asked by: DoctorQuestion on February 22nd, 2009

This is a strange form. My question is not for me.. it is for my 81 year old mother. For the past few weeks, Mom has been getting very tired when she does very little, complains of breathlessness upon exertion and also has some aching pain across the tops of her shoulders. Could this be a sign of impending heart problem/attack? She also takes 10mg Prednisone for minor pulmonary fibrosis. She blames Prednisone for every ache or pain she has..I am concerned it is something more. I will urge her to get medical attention with a cardiologist if it appears she needs to go in that direction. Please advise an opinion.

Thank you!

Replies(1)

Dr. Goce Aleksovski , MD

replied on February 25th, 2009

Heart Disease and Heart Attack Answer A5869

The symptoms your mother reports might be related to heart problems. She might be experiencing heart failure, which is not uncommon given her age, because the heart muscle weakens over the years as every other organ in the body does.
Evaluation of the heart condition is recommended. You might want to visit your family doctor. He might refer you to a cardiologist for further evaluation and adequate treatment.

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