May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Heart Disease SOB Post Myocardial Infarction
SOB Post Myocardial Infarction |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: Is it normal to have shortness of breath after having a massave heart attac. and having two stents put in. patient was smoker Dear Dj:After a heart attack (Myocardial Infarction - MI) there may be some residual damage to the heart muscle that cannot be reversed. The amount of damage to the heart is dependent on a number of factors including: the heart artery that was blocked leading to the heart attack; history of previous cardiac insult; the speed at which the artery was unblocked restoring blood flow to the heart muscle; delay in seeking medical help; response to initial medical management; further blockage of an artery; and risk factors for heart disease such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol. If your symptoms of shortness of breath have developed suddenly it could be secondary to immediate clotting of the stents inserted into the heart or acute heart failure, and both these conditions warrant immediate medical management with in-patient care. If the shortness of breath has developed gradually over time, it may represent overall reduced heart function. I would advise an echocardiogram to assess heart function and left ventricular ejection fraction and discussing your symptoms with your cardiologist urgently. |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 16 September 2010 ) |
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