There can be many cardiac reasons for SOB but the most important one to know is if this could be due to blockage in the arteries of the heart / represent angina. Other possible cardiac causes include Heart Failure, Heart Valve Disease, inflammation of the outer covering of the heart called Pericardium along with other causes resulting from Heart Rhythm disturbance or combination of more than one causes. After History taking Physical examination and EKG, further evaluation is determined by putting the data together as each patient may have different reasons.
Shortness of breath is a feeling that you can’t get enough air into your lungs. You might experience:
Shortness of breath can be a frightening experience. It may indicate a serious heart problem requiring immediate medical attention.
Shortness of breath MOST OFTEN is a HEART RELATED PROBLEM, and this should be evaluated very carefully. Other conditions that can result in SOB include:
The workup is similar to the work up of a patient suspected to have heart failure. This includes a good history, Physical Examination, a Chest X-ray and EKG. Other ancillary work up that helps determine the cause and lay out a plan for management may include Blood test, Echocardiogram, stress test, Coronary angiogram, etc.
A personalized treatment plan is created for shortness of breath based on what’s causing your symptoms. If you have a heart or blood vessel disorder, the following might be recommended:
Enhanced External Counter Pulsation (EECP) therapy from Howard Morris on Vimeo.