Shortness of Breath

Shortness of Breath services in Huntsville, AL

While occasional shortness of breath is common, if you have difficulty breathing frequently, it could be a sign of a more serious condition. At Heart and Vascular Clinic in Huntsville, Alabama, cardiologist Anand Balachandran, MD, can work with you to evaluate if your shortness of breath is due to a respiratory, psychological, or cardiovascular condition, and get you the care you need. Call Heart and Vascular Clinic or book an appointment online today to schedule your appointment.

Shortness of Breath Q & A

What is shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea, is the struggle to inhale enough air when you breathe. It often comes with other intense or concerning symptoms such as chest pain or tightness, wheezing, or feeling like you’re suffocating.

Even if your shortness of breath is on the milder side, it can be incredibly uncomfortable and you should seek to identify the underlying cause. There are a number of tests that can help narrow down the list of possibilities and lead Dr. Balachandran to an accurate diagnosis.

In order to diagnose your shortness of breath, Dr. Balachandran goes over your medical history, performs a brief physical exam, and conducts the necessary tests: blood tests, stress tests, echocardiograms, and chest X-rays.

Which heart conditions cause shortness of breath?

There are plenty of respiratory illnesses that cause shortness of breath, and a problem with your lungs might be your first guess as to why you experience this symptom. Yet, it’s also possible for a heart condition to be at the root of your symptoms.

Dr. Balachandran may evaluate you for:

Congestive heart failure
Cardiac tamponade (excess fluid around the heart)
Heart arrhythmia
Heart attack
Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle problems)
Pericarditis (inflammation of tissue around the heart)
Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)

You can also experience temporary shortness of breath due to exercise, stress or panic, allergies, or asthma. You should schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible if you experience shortness of breath, especially if it occurs suddenly and you’re not sure why.

How is shortness of breath treated?

Dr. Balachandran specializes in treating shortness of breath when it comes from medical problems involving the heart and blood vessels, such as heart failure. The treatment you receive depends on your diagnosis, and treatment plans vary widely based on your personal needs.

At Heart and Vascular Clinic, your treatment for shortness of breath might entail:

Medications
Heart valve repair or replacement
Ventricular assist devices (VADs)
Ongoing monitoring
Oxygen therapy
Lifestyle changes

Surgeries such as coronary bypass surgery or heart transplant are typically reserved for severe heart complications that do not respond to more conservative care.

To learn more about shortness of breath and the conditions that may cause it, call Heart and Vascular Clinic or book an appointment online today.

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