Breathlessness and Shortness of Breath in Reading
Breathlessness, shortness of breath or becoming unusually out of breath can have many possible causes. In some cases, it may be associated with factors such as reduced fitness or weight gain. However, breathlessness can also be related to an underlying heart condition.
If you have noticed persistent or unexplained breathlessness in Reading or Berkshire, a cardiology assessment can help establish whether your symptoms could have a cardiac cause.
What is breathlessness?
Breathlessness is the sensation of being unable to get enough air or becoming unusually short of breath. It can happen during exercise, while carrying out everyday activities or, in some cases, while resting. The circumstances in which your breathlessness occurs can provide important information to a cardiologist.
What can cause shortness of breath?
There are many potential causes of breathlessness. Someone may become more easily out of breath after gaining weight or becoming less physically active. However, there can also be underlying heart-related causes that require investigation and appropriate treatment. A cardiologist will consider your symptoms alongside your medical history and examination findings.
Breathlessness and heart problems
Some heart conditions can cause breathlessness. An impairment in heart function, such as heart failure, can lead to breathlessness and ankle swelling. Breathlessness may also occur alongside other cardiac symptoms, including chest discomfort or an abnormal heart rhythm.
Breathlessness when exercising
Getting out of breath during exercise does not necessarily mean there is a heart problem. However, if you have noticed a significant change in your exercise tolerance or are becoming breathless doing activities that previously felt comfortable, it is worth discussing this with your doctor. A cardiology assessment can help determine whether further cardiac investigation is appropriate.
Breathlessness and swollen ankles
Breathlessness combined with swelling around the ankles can sometimes be associated with impaired heart function. If these symptoms are persistent or worsening, they should be appropriately assessed.
How is breathlessness investigated?
A cardiologist may recommend investigations depending on your symptoms and clinical assessment. These can include:
- A 12-lead ECG
- An echocardiogram
- Blood tests
- CT imaging
- Assessment of the coronary arteries using CT or invasive angiography where appropriate
An echocardiogram can assess the structure and function of the heart, while an ECG records its electrical activity.
Cardiology assessment for breathlessness in Reading
If you are experiencing unexplained breathlessness in Reading, a cardiology consultation can help determine whether your symptoms could be related to the heart. The results of the assessment and investigations can then help determine whether any appropriate treatment or further investigation is required.
Frequently asked questions
Can heart problems cause breathlessness? Yes. Some heart conditions can cause shortness of breath or reduced exercise tolerance.
Can heart failure cause breathlessness? Yes. Impaired heart function can cause breathlessness and may also be associated with ankle swelling.
Why am I getting out of breath more easily? There are many possible causes, including reduced fitness and weight gain. However, unexplained or worsening breathlessness should be medically assessed.
What tests are used for breathlessness? Depending on the suspected cause, investigations can include an ECG, echocardiogram, blood tests and imaging.
Should I see a cardiologist for breathlessness? Persistent, unexplained or worsening breathlessness may warrant a cardiological assessment, particularly where other symptoms are present.