+MRC breathlessness scale Grade Degree of dyspnea 1 no dyspnea except with strenuous exercise 2 dyspnea when walking up an incline or hurrying on the level 3 walks slower than most on the level, or stops after 15 minutes of walking on the level 4 stops after a few minutes of walking on the level 5 with minimal activity such as getting dressed, too dyspneic to leave the house The initial approach to evaluation begins by assessment of the airway, breathing, and circulation followed by a medical history and physical examination. Signs that represent significant severity include hypotension, hypoxemia, tracheal deviation, altered mental status, unstable dysrhythmia, stridor, intercostal indrawing, cyanosis, tripod positioning, pronounced use of accessory muscles (sternocleidomastoid, scalenes) and absent breath sounds. A number of scales may be used to quantify the degree of shortness of breath. It may be subjectively rated on a scale from 1 to 10 with descriptors associated with the number (The Modified Borg Scale). The MRC breathlessness scale suggests five grades of dyspnea based on the circumstances in which it arises. Blood tests A number of labs may be helpful in determining the cause of shortness of breath. D-dimer, while useful to rule out a pulmonary embolism in those who are at low risk, is not of much value if it is positive, as it may be positive in a number of conditions that lead to shortness of breath. A low level of brain natriuretic peptide is useful in ruling out congestive heart failure; however, a high level, while supportive of the diagnosis, could also be due to advanced age, kidney failure, acute coronary syndrome, or a large pulmonary embolism. Imaging A chest x-ray is useful to confirm or rule out a pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, or pneumonia. Spiral computed tomography with intravenous radiocontrast is the imaging study of choice to evaluate for pulmonary embolism.
symptoms of Cardiovascular disease
symptom of Cardiovascular disease
symptom of Coronary artery disease
symptoms of Coronary artery disease
symptoms of Dyslipidemia
symptom of Heart failure
symptom of Peripheral artery disease
symptoms of Arrhythmia