[55F] Experiencing shortness of breath and shoulder discomfort

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

• Anxiety or Panic Disorder: These conditions can cause physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and a feeling of being anxious. They can be triggered by stress or can occur spontaneously.

  • Treatment typically involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication.

• Cardiovascular Disease: Given your age, gender, and history of high blood pressure, conditions such as coronary artery disease or heart failure could potentially explain your symptoms. These conditions can cause shortness of breath, especially on exertion, and discomfort in the chest and upper body.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes procedures or surgery.

• Musculoskeletal Conditions: Conditions such as a pinched nerve in the neck or shoulder could potentially explain your shoulder discomfort and stiff neck. However, these conditions would not typically cause shortness of breath.

  • Treatment typically involves physical therapy, pain management, and sometimes surgery.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms or figure out what's going on:

1. If you feel anxious, try deep breathing exercises or other relaxation techniques.
2. Try to stay active, but don't push yourself too hard if you're feeling short of breath.
3. Make sure you're taking your blood pressure medication as prescribed.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If your shortness of breath or chest discomfort worsens, especially if it happens suddenly
• If you develop other symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or a rapid heartbeat
• If your anxiety becomes overwhelming or difficult to manage

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I am not a doctor and this advice is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.