Does heart failure cause breathlessness annd excertion?
Patient: 2 1/2 years ago I was in ICU with toxic shock. at one point my vital organs started to shut down but was brought back from the "brink". But now on my records it says I had heart failure. Could my heart have been damaged and would this account for the breathlessness on exertion? It soon goes when I sit down. I am 81  weigh 11 1/2 stone and am taking Amlodipine 5mg for BP and otherwise feel reasonabley fit and intend to lose more weight Doctor: Hi,Certainly heart failure can cause symptoms like breathlessness, swelling of legs, and weakness. For confirmation of the same, you should get one echo done which will confirm the diagnosis. Also have low salt and water diet for sometime and look for the response. Maintain healthy lifestyle like avoid fatty, oily and high calorie diet. Have low salt diet and monitor blood pressure regularly. Regular exercises like brisk walking, jogging according your capacity at least 30 min a day and 5 days a week. Eat lots of green leafy vegetables, fruits, fish once or twice a week, and avoid meat. Avoid smoking and alcohol if any. There shouldn't abdominal fat deposition or obesity. Get your lipid profile and sugars tested once.Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards,Dr. Sagar Makode