AskDocDoc
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime. No sign-up needed.
Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #14375
6 days ago
23

heart respiratory system - #14375

Aisha

I am really worried about my health, and I just need some advice. A few weeks ago, I started experiencing this weird tightness in my chest, almost feels like my heart is racing but then I can’t catch my breath, like my heart and respiratory system aren’t working together correctly. I thought it was just anxiety at first, but then I started feeling lightheaded and super fatigued. I went to a clinic, and they did some tests on my heart and respiratory system, but everything came back normal, which honestly makes me feel even more confused because I’m still having these symptoms. My family has a history of heart problems, and now I'm just worried it could be something more serious that doctors aren’t seeing. Like, can the heart and respiratory system be affecting each other even if the tests look fine? After the visit, I tried to relax, but I can't shake off this feeling that I need to keep digging for answers. I feel dumb for being this anxious, but I know my body and something just feels off. Anyone else had experiences where the heart and respiratory system seemed to be linked in ways docs didn’t catch right away? What should I do next?

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors’ responses

It certainly makes sense to be concerned when you’re experiencing symptoms like chest tightness, racing heart, lightheadedness, and breathlessness, especially with a family history of heart issues. First things first, you’re right to listen to your body and seek further investigation if things don’t feel right. Heart and respiratory systems can indeed be interconnected in subtle ways that might not always show up on initial tests. For example, conditions such as pulmonary embolism, arrhythmias, or even certain types of heart failure can sometimes be elusive in early testing but might require specific diagnostic tests to catch, such as more detailed imaging or prolonged heart monitoring like a Holter monitor. Anxiety can certainly reproduce this array of symptoms, but given your family’s medical history and ongoing symptoms, it’s crucial to rule out or confirm more serious conditions.

The key step now is to consult with a cardiologist or possibly a pulmonologist for a more in-depth evaluation. They may suggest an echocardiogram, stress test, or CT scan to further investigate your symptoms. Also, consider discussing a comprehensive review of your medications, lifestyle factors like sleep quality, stress levels, and nutritional intake, as these can each play significant roles. You should be persistent about discussing your family history too since this can sway both diagnostic approach and treatment plans.

Meanwhile, monitor any symptom triggers or new developments, and write them down. If you experience severe symptoms like chest pain, fainting, or severe breathlessness, it’s crucial to seek immediate emergency care. You’re not “dumb” for checking this out; in fact, it’s smart. Being proactive about your health can make a real difference. When you see your doctor, bring a friend or family member if possible to help catch all the details and ensure thorough follow-up. Stay persistent with follow-ups too if symptoms continue; sometimes navigating the healthcare system requires a bit of persistence.

4875 answered questions
65% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions