What is causing my chest pains and shortness of breath?
Patient: I have been having chest pains, shortness of breath, and a abnormal symptom.. I sometimes "forget to breath". My brain will tell me it is time to breath but by the time it gets to that point I start gasping for air. Is there any reason you think this could be gapping? Doctor: Hello!Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!I understand your concern and would explain that your symptoms do not seem to be related to any cardiac disorders. Anxiety seems to be playing an important role in all this clinical situation. Coming to this point, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests: - a resting ECG and chest X ray study- complete blood count for anemia- thyroid hormone levels for thyroid dysfunction- blood electrolytes. If all these tests result normal, you should consider anxiety as the main cause of your complaints. Hope to have been helpful to you!Wishing good health, Dr. Iliri