You should never ignore unexplained breathlessness, as it may be due to a serious underlying health condition. If you experience shortness of breath, please seek medical care. Here at Metropolitan Cardiovascular Consultants , we partner with our patients to prevent and treat conditions and diseases that affect the heart while preserving and improving quality of life. Djamson offers a wide range of cardiovascular services at our outpatient clinics.
Patients can access advanced cardiac technology to diagnose and treat conditions that range from simple to complex. If you have heart health concerns, a visit with a cardiologist is paramount. Symptoms of heart disease range widely, and a comprehensive evaluation is needed to identify and treat problems.
Unexplained shortness of breath may signal an underlying problem with the structure or function of your heart. Below is a list of potentially serious and frequently diagnosed heart conditions which may present with Shortness of Breath. Coronary Artery Disease Two main coronary arteries, the Left main and Right coronary arteries supply blood to the heart.
These arteries may develop problems leading to serious and potentially life-threatening conditions. Coronary artery disease CAD is the most common type of heart disease in the US, it develops when there is a buildup of plaque in the walls of the coronary arteries leading to narrowing and eventually occlusion of these arteries.
These cholesterol rich fatty deposits plaques decrease blood flow to the heart muscle leading to a condition called Angina and raises the risk for a heart attack. Symptoms may not appear until there is a significant reduction of blood flow. Shortness of breath, especially during exertion, may be an atypical presentation of Angina and may be due to underlying CAD. Enlarged heart, in heart failure Open pop-up dialog box Close. Enlarged heart, in heart failure As the heart weakens, as it can with heart failure, it begins to enlarge, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood on to the rest of the body.
Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Heart failure. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed Oct. Ferri FF. Heart failure. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Elsevier; Colucci WS. Determining the etiology and severity of heart failure or cardiomyopathy. Evaluation of the patient with suspected heart failure. Heart failure HF. Merck Manual Professional Version. Vasan RS, et al.
Epidemiology and causes of heart failure. Goldman L, et al. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Warning signs of heart failure. American Heart Association. Rakel D, ed. In: Integrative Medicine. Borlaug BA, et al. Treatment and prognosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Allen L. Palliative care for patients with advanced heart failure: Decision support, symptom management, and psychosocial assistance.
These periods of breathlessness may leave you feeling exhausted and anxious. Fatigue As heart failure becomes more severe, the heart is unable to pump the amount of blood required to meet all of the body's needs. To compensate, blood is diverted away from less-crucial areas, including the arms and legs, to supply the heart and brain.
As a result, people with heart failure often feel weak especially in their arms and legs , tired and have difficulty performing ordinary activities such as walking, climbing stairs or carrying groceries. Chronic Cough or Wheezing The fluid buildup in the lungs may result in a persistent cough or wheezing, that may produce phlegm a thick, mucous-like substance that may be tinged with blood. Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat The heart may speed up to compensate for its failing ability to adequately pump blood throughout the body.
Patients may feel a fluttering in the heart palpitations or a heartbeat that seems irregular or out of rhythm. This often is described as a pounding or racing sensation in the chest. Lack of Appetite or Nausea When the liver and digestive system become congested they fail to receive a normal supply of blood. This can make you feel nauseous or full, even if you haven't eaten.
Mental Confusion or Impaired Thinking Abnormal levels of certain substances, such as sodium, in the blood and reduced blood flow to the brain can cause memory loss or disorientation, which you may or may not be aware of. Fluid Buildup and Swelling Because blood flow to the kidneys is restricted, the kidneys produce hormones that lead to salt and water retention.
This causes swelling, also called edema, that occurs most often in the feet, ankles and legs. Rapid Weight Gain The fluid build-up throughout the body, may cause you to gain weight quickly. For example: Heart Grows Larger The muscle mass of the heart grows in an attempt to increase its pumping power, which works for a while.
The heart chambers also enlarge and stretch so they can hold a larger volume of blood. As the heart expands, the cells controlling its contractions also grow. What Are the Symptoms of HF? How Is HF Diagnosed? How Is HF Treated? Oxygen may be given to reduce the workload on the lungs. Pacemakers and implantable defibrillators may be used in some cases. Heart transplantation is an option in some patients when other treatments fail. DO maintain your ideal body weight.
DO reduce salt and extra fluid in your diet. DO get your family involved in your care, especially the needed lifestyle changes. DO call your health care provider if you have side effects from your drugs or new or worsening symptoms, such as increasing shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting.
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