Your healthexpert
© chajamp - stock . adobe . com
“ I CAN ’ T BREATHE DOCTOR ”
Your healthexpert
Dr Fazal is a Consultant Cardiologist at King ’ s Mill Hospital and Newark Hospital where he is the clinical lead for heart failure services . He sees patients privately at the Spire Hospital Nottingham , BMI The Park Hospital , and the Nottingham Road Clinic .
What is breathlessness ?
Breathlessness or shortness of breath is difficulty in breathing . The medical term is dyspnoea . Breathlessness can occur suddenly or come on gradually over a few weeks or months . Those experiencing it might feel “ puffed ” or unable to do things without stopping - such as climbing stairs or walking uphill . Some people describe rapid breathing , tightness in the chest , or tiredness , with the most common description being that patients are unable to keep up with others when walking , or need to slow down / stop moving .
What are the possible causes of breathlessness ?
There are numerous causes of breathlessness , the majority of which are related to either underlying heart or lung abnormalities . Breathlessness that occurs suddenly needs urgent investigation and treatment due to the serious nature of potential underlying conditions such as heart attacks , blood clots in the lungs ( pulmonary embolism ) or pneumonia . Conditions that cause breathlessness over weeks / months include :
• Heart failure - due to poor heart pump function .
• Angina : Poor blood supply to the coronary arteries can cause chest pain / tightness / breathlessness .
• Cardiomyopathy : Inherited causes of heart failure .
• Heart rhythm abnormalities , particularly irregular heart beat such as AF ( atrial fibrillation ).
• Heart valve disease such as narrowed or leaking valves e . g . aortic stenosis , mitral regurgitation .
• Asthma - particularly if it is poorly controlled .
• COPD ( emphysema / bronchitis ) usually due to smoking .
• Anaemia .
• Being overweight or physically unfit .
© Africa Studio - stock . adobe . com
10
Your health choices