[Expert Solution]: BE is a 71 y/o Native American female who…

BE is a 71 y/o Native American female who presents to the clinic with complaints of a “racing heart”. She’s overweight and has also been experiencing: shortness of breath x1 month, edema in her ankles/feet for 2 weeks, and weakness/fatigue she can’t shake. Last week she started waking up in the middle of the night gasping for breath which has improved somewhat with the addition of 4 pillows to sleep. BE reports feeling anxious as these symptoms have increased. She is usually full of energy and busy helping out family and friends. She watches two grandkids after school, but she’s felt so weak and out of breath that she has been unable to do more than lay on the couch while they are over. She asks you “Why am I waking up gasping for breath in the middle of the night. Am I dying?”