“Back pain?”
I'm having a heart cath on Tuesday but figured I would do a couple of severe deep breathing exercises to get some oxygen into my bloodstream. Deep breath in, hold for 60+ seconds and exhale. I did it twice and about 20 minutes later my back lungs started hurting. I only did it twice. Is this normal?
Female | 55 years old
Complaint duration: Hours
Medications: BP meds, ativan and asprin
Conditions: None yet. Heart palpitations (hence the cath)
2 Answers
Deep breathing exercises are good for yoyr health because they open lungs to open fully and function more efficiently. It is a good habit to it throughout the day, every couple of hours, not just when you are anxious. It does not cause back pain. So stop straining your back muscles. That is not part of breathing exercise. If you don't feel relaxed afrer the exercise, then you are straining; you are not breathing. As to anxiety about your heart catherization, the procedure is safe in hands of a cardiologist who does a lot of these. By the way, having palpitations is not an indication for a heart cath. So you better sit with your cardiologist so he can fully explain why you are having a heart cath. I am sure he will do that for you. It is part of the informed consent that every patient signs prior to the procedure. It is your health. Be an active participant of your healthcare team.
Per Dr. Oz, Hold your breath for 4 seconds. Not longer.
