Shortness of breath
Understanding the heart-related causes
At OneMedicine, we understand that shortness of breath can be a distressing symptom, often signalling an underlying heart condition. Whether it’s a sudden onset during physical activity or a persistent issue when lying flat, shortness of breath could be connected to a variety of cardiovascular concerns that require expert attention.
Common heart-related causes of shortness of breath
- Heart failure: When the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, fluid can accumulate in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe, especially during physical activity or while lying down.
- Coronary artery disease (CAD): Blockages or narrowing in the arteries reduce blood flow to the heart, causing shortness of breath during exertion due to insufficient oxygen supply to the heart muscle.
- Heart attack: Sudden blockages in the heart’s blood flow can lead to shortness of breath alongside chest pain, nausea, and sweating.
- Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms, like atrial fibrillation, disrupt the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, leading to breathlessness.
- Valvular heart disease: Conditions such as aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation impair blood flow through the heart’s valves, causing breathing difficulties.
Cost
- Standard GP appointment (30min) £120
- Long GP appointment (45min) £160
Investigations at OneMedicine in Birmingham
Dr Ibrar Ahmed, with his extensive experience in Cardiovascular Medicine, will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your shortness of breath. Here are some of the diagnostic tools we use:
- Physical examination: A detailed assessment of your heart, lungs, and overall health, including checking for fluid retention and blood pressure abnormalities.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test monitors your heart’s electrical activity, identifying any abnormal rhythms or potential damage.
- Echocardiogram: A non-invasive ultrasound of the heart that helps detect conditions like heart failure or valve issues by examining the heart’s structure and function.
- Stress test: By monitoring your heart’s activity during exercise, this test evaluates how well your heart functions under physical stress.
- Coronary CT angiogram : A non-invasive method to detect blockages of the hearts own blood supply, coronary.
- Chest X-ray: This test provides a detailed image of the lungs and can detect fluid buildup or other abnormalities linked to heart disease.
Managing heart-related shortness of breath
Management depends on the underlying cause of your shortness of breath, and Dr Ahmed will provide a personalised plan based on your specific condition. Options may include:
- Medications: Treatment may involve medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or diuretics to improve heart function, manage fluid buildup, and control blood pressure or cholesterol.
- Lifestyle changes: Adopting heart-healthy habits like a balanced diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight can alleviate symptoms and improve heart health.
- Surgical or interventional procedures: In more severe cases, procedures like angioplasty, stenting, or valve repair/replacement may be necessary to improve blood flow or correct structural issues.
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- Oxygen therapy: For individuals with severe heart failure or disease, supplemental oxygen may help ease shortness of breath and improve oxygen levels.
Expertise from Dr Ibrar Ahmed
At OneMedicine, Dr Ahmeds in-depth knowledge of cardiovascular health ensures that the causes of your shortness of breath are properly diagnosed and managed. His patient-centric approach, combined with his PhD in Cardiovascular Medicine, ensures you receive top-level care tailored to your individual needs.
Dr Ahmeds experience in managing complex heart conditions allows you to feel confident that your health is in capable hands. From initial diagnosis to ongoing management, our team at OneMedicine is committed to improving your quality of life.
Book your consultation
If you’re experiencing shortness of breath or other heart-related symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. Book a consultation with Dr Ahmed at OneMedicine to ensure your symptoms are fully investigated and appropriately managed, helping you breathe easier and enjoy better heart health.
