[36F] Experiencing shortness of breath, tachycardia, and other symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions could be contributing to your symptoms:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): This is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. It's characterized by increasing breathlessness. Your chronic cough and mucus production are common symptoms of COPD.

  • Treatment typically involves medications (like bronchodilators and steroids), pulmonary rehabilitation, and supplemental oxygen.

• Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD): This circulatory condition causes narrowed blood vessels and reduced blood flow to the limbs, which can cause your hands and feet to feel cold. The purplish color could be due to reduced blood flow.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgery.

• Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST): This is a condition where the heart rate, at rest and during activity, is abnormally elevated. This could explain your episodes of rapid heart rate.

  • Treatment could involve lifestyle modifications, medications, or procedures to modify the heart's electrical system.

• Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs): These are extra, abnormal heartbeats that disrupt your regular heart rhythm, sometimes leading to a feeling of a skipped beat or a fluttering. This could be contributing to your heart rate fluctuations.

  • Treatment could involve lifestyle changes, medications, or procedures to modify the heart's electrical system.

However, your symptoms of shortness of breath, tachycardia, bradycardia, and chest pain could also be signs of a heart condition, such as heart failure or ischemic heart disease.

What you can do

Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. Your healthcare provider can perform a thorough evaluation and provide appropriate treatment.

In the meantime:

1. Try to rest and avoid activities that make your symptoms worse.
2. If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking can worsen COPD and PVD.
3. Eat a balanced diet and try to get regular exercise, as these can help improve your overall health and potentially reduce symptoms of PVD and COPD.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your shortness of breath or chest pain worsens
• You experience severe lightheadedness or faint
• Your heart rate remains consistently high or low
• Your hands or feet become very cold, painful, or change color

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm an AI and not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.