When you sprint up a flight of stairs or chase a dog, feeling breathless is normal and expected. However, if you experience shortness of breath frequently or without any clear reason, it could be a sign of a heart problem and should not be ignored.
Dr. James Kim and our team recognize the importance of addressing symptoms like shortness of breath promptly. In this article, we will explore the different ways shortness of breath can manifest, the potential causes behind it, and the necessary steps to take for proper evaluation and treatment. Understanding these aspects is crucial for maintaining your heart health and overall well-being.
Understanding Shortness of Breath
While shortness of breath may seem straightforward, there are important details to note. Occasional shortness of breath, especially after exertion, is normal. However, we are concerned if you experience:
- Constant shortness of breath
- Shortness of breath with minimal physical exertion
- Difficulty breathing when lying down
- Sudden onset of shortness of breath
- Accompanying symptoms like leg swelling, chronic cough, or chest pain
If someone is short of breath suddenly and it is accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, or fainting, it could indicate a heart attack or pulmonary embolism. In such cases, call 911 immediately. In the U.S., someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds, highlighting the seriousness of this threat.
Heart-Related Causes
While many conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder can cause ongoing shortness of breath, we will focus on heart-related causes here.
Our primary concern is heart failure, which affects over 6 million people in the US. In heart failure, the heart doesn’t pump blood efficiently, causing blood to back up in the pulmonary veins and fluids to leak into the lungs. This not only leads to shortness of breath but can also cause leg swelling due to fluid buildup in the lower extremities.
Other heart-related causes of shortness of breath include inflammation around the heart, such as pericarditis, and issues with the heart muscle, like cardiomyopathy. Addressing these conditions promptly is crucial for maintaining heart health and overall well-being.
Diagnosing Shortness of Breath
If you experience ongoing shortness of breath and have ruled out lung issues, it’s time to visit us. We will review your symptoms and medical history, and may perform tests such as blood tests and an echocardiogram. These diagnostic tools provide valuable information to help determine if your shortness of breath is related to your cardiovascular system.
To address your shortness of breath, please contact our offices in Chula Vista or National City, California, to schedule an appointment.
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Cardiovascular Wellness, Heart Attack Prevention
