DYSPNEA (SHORTNESS OF BREATH)

What Causes Dyspnea?

Dyspnea (shortness of breath) can be caused by:​

• Diseases of the heart​:

• ​Coronary artery disease

• Valvular disease

• Congestive heart failure

• Pericardial disease

• Arrhythmia ​

​More Heart Conditions

• Angina

• Arrhythmia

• Atrial Fibrillation

• Cardiac Arrest

• Cardiogenic Shock

• Cardiomyopathy

• Chronic Total Occlusion

• Congenital Heart Disease

• Coronary Artery Disease

• Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath)

• Endocarditis

• Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

• Heart Failure

• High Cholesterol

• Hypertension

• Heart Murmur

• Palpitations

• Pericarditis

• Pulmonary Hypertension

• Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

• Syncope (Fainting)

• Valvular Heart Disease

• Disease of the lungs​:

• Asthma

• Emphysema

• Fibrosis

• Cancer

• Infection

• Pulmonary hypertension

• Pulmonary embolism 

• Systemic disorders​:

• Blood

• Bone marrow

• Thyroid

• Immune system

• Deconditioning

What are the Signs/Symptoms of Dyspnea?

Shortness of breath includes difficulty breathing at rest, with activity, while trying to lie flat, and/or waking up short of breath; symptoms can be gradual or sudden in onset.

How is Dyspnea Diagnosed?

Testing for dyspnea includes:​

• Blood tests

• Oxygen saturation measurement

• Chest x-ray

• CT scan

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Stress testing

• Echocardiogram

• Pulmonary function test

• Cardiac catheterization

What are the Treatments for Dyspnea?

Treatment for shortness of breath depends on managing the underlying cause which may including medication, procedures, diet/lifestyle modification, exercise, and sometimes oxygen.