If you’re experiencing shortness of breath or trouble breathing, visit us at Heart of Dixie Cardiology because your symptoms may be related to your heart. Shortness of breath does not always mean you have a serious condition but may be an indicator of one. We will help sort out the cause of your symptoms and plan the correct treatment for you.
Shortness of breath is the symptom of not being able to draw enough breath while breathing. It can feel like an intense tightening in your chest or difficulty breathing. It can sometimes occur only when you lay down. Shortness of breath can also give you a sense of breathlessness, panting, or suffocation. These symptoms can occur with exertion or at rest. Shortness of breath is a common symptom associated with heart problems, even if you don’t have chest pain.
There are many different causes of shortness of breath, but some of the more common causes include the following:
Heart attack
Heart arrhythmia
Heart failure
Pneumonia
Pulmonary embolism
Anemia
Fluid around the heart or lungs
Asthma
Chronic lung conditions
Sleep apnea
Here are a few ways to prevent the conditions that cause shortness of breath:
If you experience intermittent or persistent shortness of breath, seek medical attention. Shortness of breath is commonly a side effect of heart-related conditions, and making an appointment with us at Heart of Dixie Cardiology can help sort out the causes of your shortness of breath. We can evaluate you and direct treatment to get you feeling better in no time. If your shortness of breath is severe or sudden, seek immediate emergency medical services.
When evaluating the causes of shortness of breath, you may undergo diagnostic testing to help determine the cause. Some of these tests may include an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, or stress testing to help us know if your heart is the cause. Additional tests may include X-rays, CT scans, pulmonary function testing, and sleep studies.
Treatment for shortness of breath often depends on the cause of your symptoms. If your heart is the cause of your shortness of breath, treating the underlying problem will benefit you the most. This could include medication management, diagnostic testing, and interventions on your heart or lungs to help you feel better. Sometimes we will need to refer you to our colleagues in pulmonology.
If you’ve been suffering from shortness of breath, it’s time to schedule an appointment to come see us at Heart of Dixie Cardiology. Help us help you feel better now. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
Treatment for shortness of breath often depends on the cause of your symptoms. If your heart is the cause of your shortness of breath, treating the underlying problem will benefit you the most. This could include medication management, diagnostic testing, and interventions on your heart or lungs to help you feel better. Sometimes we will need to refer you to our colleagues in pulmonology.
If you’ve been suffering from shortness of breath, it’s time to schedule an appointment to come see us at Heart of Dixie Cardiology. Help us help you feel better now. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
Heart of Dixie Cardiology is a specialty subset of the Revere Health group. We have over a dozen cardiology providers throughout our locations to give you the specialized heart care that you deserve.
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