What could be causing frequent chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and irritability?

Sep 15, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
In general, frequent chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and irritability may be related to physiological factors, hypoglycemia, hypotension, angina pectoris, heart failure, and other conditions. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, these symptoms could also be associated with aortic stenosis, pulmonary embolism, and other factors. If any discomfort occurs, seek prompt medical attention at a hospital to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Under normal circumstances, frequent chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and irritability may be related to physiological factors, hypoglycemia, hypotension, angina pectoris, heart failure, and other conditions. Patients are advised to follow medical guidance for symptomatic treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Physiological Factors

If a patient has engaged in intense physical activity, symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and difficulty breathing may occur. In such cases, medication or intervention is generally not required. Symptoms typically gradually subside after adequate rest and calming the mind.

2. Hypoglycemia

When blood glucose levels fall below the normal range, causing a hypoglycemic reaction, increased sympathetic nervous system activity often leads to symptoms including palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, generalized weakness, dizziness, and excessive sweating. Patients can promptly relieve these symptoms by consuming sugary foods such as candy, bread, biscuits, or sweetened beverages.

3. Hypotension

Hypotension occurs when systolic blood pressure falls below 90 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure drops below 60 mmHg. Reduced blood pressure impairs blood and oxygen supply to tissues, commonly causing symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, cold sweats, limb weakness, and transient vision darkening. Patients may take medications such as midodrine hydrochloride tablets or Shengmai Yin as directed by a physician to raise blood pressure and alleviate discomfort.

4. Angina Pectoris

Inadequate blood supply to the myocardium damages cardiac cells, leading to symptoms of chest tightness and shortness of breath. Additionally, due to reduced cardiac pumping function and insufficient cerebral perfusion, transient dizziness may occur. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as isosorbide mononitrate capsules or propranolol hydrochloride tablets for treatment.

5. Heart Failure

In heart failure, decreased cardiac output leads to exertional dyspnea and reduced blood supply to all organs. Compensatory mechanisms in the heart and lungs result in symptoms such as dizziness, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as furosemide tablets or metoprolol tartrate sustained-release tablets for treatment.

Besides the above, these symptoms may also be associated with conditions such as aortic stenosis or pulmonary embolism. If any discomfort persists, prompt medical evaluation at a hospital is recommended to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.

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