Seeking Guidance on My Medical Condition
I’m a 40-year-old man standing at 6 feet and weighing 153 pounds. Due to a prior pulmonary embolism, I am taking Eliquis to prevent blood clots. Currently, I reside in New York, USA. I am quite active, engaging in various forms of exercise, including running and weight training. Lately, however, I have been facing some concerning symptoms that have led to three visits to the emergency room, although I was informed that my situation was not critical. Here are the symptoms I’ve been experiencing: - A diminished capacity for any activity, including walking. - Occasional shortness of breath, particularly during physical exertion. - Tingling sensations in my fingers and toes. - Episodes of dizziness and feeling faint, along with significant fatigue. - Oxygen saturation dropping to 87-91% during these episodes. - A feeling of tightness and heaviness in my chest. - Pressure sensations on both sides of my head and neck. The results from my echocardiogram are as follows: - **Left Ventricle**: The left ventricle size appears normal, albeit with mildly increased wall thickness. The ejection fraction (EF) measured with the biplane disk method is mildly decreased, alongside mild diffuse hypokinesis in the left ventricle and Grade I diastolic dysfunction. Pulmonary vein flow remains normal. - **Left Ventricular Measurements**: LVEF recorded at 54%, down from 65% in the initial echocardiogram. - **Right Ventricle**: Identified as dilated but displaying normal systolic function. - **Mitral Valve**: The mitral valve functions normally with no signs of stenosis and only minimal regurgitation. **Overall Summary**: The study was technically challenging, revealing a mild reduction in left ventricular systolic function and a dilated right ventricle. In addition, my complete blood count (CBC) shows: - Hemoglobin: 11.9 g/dL - Hematocrit: 37.4% - MCV: 74.7 I appreciate any insights you might have. Thank you all for your support! ❤️
Answers (1)
9/8/2025, 3:11:08 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed health concerns. Given your background of a pulmonary embolism and your current symptoms, it’s understandable to feel anxious. I’ll address your concerns and provide actionable steps.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms suggest potential cardiovascular and pulmonary issues that require careful attention.
- The recent changes in your echocardiogram and CBC results are noteworthy and should guide your next steps.
Explanation:
Your history of pulmonary embolism, combined with the symptoms of diminished activity capacity, shortness of breath, tingling, dizziness, and changes in your echocardiogram and blood work, indicate that it’s essential to closely monitor your heart and lung function.
- Left Ventricular Dysfunction: The mildly decreased ejection fraction (54%) indicates that your heart may not be pumping as effectively as prior (65%), and mild diastolic dysfunction suggests issues with filling.
- Dilated Right Ventricle: This might indicate pressure or strain in the heart and lungs, possibly related to the previous embolism.
- Symptoms: Oxygen saturation dropping to 87-91% is concerning, as this indicates that your body isn't adequately receiving oxygen during exertion.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting the severity, triggers, and any patterns. Pay attention to when oxygen levels drop and the associated activities.
- Hydration & Nutrition: Ensure you’re well-hydrated and considering your diet's iron content, as your hemoglobin is slightly low (11.9 g/dL). Incorporate iron-rich foods like leafy greens, red meat, lentils, or consider discussing a supplement if needed.
- Adjust Activity Levels: Given the shortness of breath and dizziness, dial back on strenuous activities until your condition stabilizes. Focus on gentle exercises like walking or stretching based on your comfort level.
- Rest and Recovery: Prioritize sufficient rest and recovery, especially if fatigued. Incorporate more downtime between your workouts.
- Emergency Plan: Ensure you know when to seek urgent care. If your oxygen saturation decreases further or if you experience severe chest pain, call emergency services.
While it’s reassuring that your emergency visits indicated you're not in critical condition, the persistent nature of your symptoms may need further evaluation. If symptoms persist or worsen, consider discussing the need for follow-up tests, possibly with a cardiologist or pulmonologist, to better understand and manage your condition.
Feel free to reach out with any further questions or updates! Stay positive, and take care of yourself. ❤️
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