FOR VISIT SHORTNESS OF BREATH AND LIGHTHEADEDNESS
week #9 Navigating the Grey Zone: The Critical Differential of
Dyspnea and Dizziness
,
, Patient Information
Age: 64 years
Sex: Female
Race/Ethnicity: Not specified
Source of History: Patient (reliable)
Chief Complaint (CC)
“I’ve been feeling short of breath and lightheaded.”
History of Present Illness (HPI)
The patient is a 64-year-old female who presents with progressive shortness of
breath and intermittent lightheadedness over the past 2 weeks, worsening over
the last several days. She reports dyspnea with minimal exertion, such as climbing
one flight of stairs, which is new for her. She also describes episodes of
lightheadedness when standing from a seated position, occasionally accompanied
by palpitations, but denies syncope.
She denies chest pain, hemoptysis, fever, productive cough, or recent upper
respiratory infection. She reports mild bilateral lower extremity swelling that has
gradually increased. No recent travel, prolonged immobilization, or known sick
contacts. She denies orthopnea but admits to mild paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.
Symptoms are not relieved by rest alone. No known triggers identified.
Past Medical History (PMH)
Hypertension
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Hyperlipidemia
Obesity