1. You’ve Noticed Other Potentially Concerning Symptoms
How’s your body? If you have a cardiac rhythm disorder, you may have heart palpitations, anxiety, lightheadedness, chest discomfort, and excessive weariness. Dr. Rosen states, “shortness of breath from heart failure will frequently be detected with leg edema or dyspnea when you lay down at night.” He says that artery problems might cause dyspnea, chest discomfort, and heaviness.
Dr. Skopicki recommends seeing a doctor immediately if you have chest discomfort, tightness, or pressure with shortness of breath. If you’re short of breath or have stiffness, numbness, or weakness in your arms, legs, jaw, neck, or throat, these are warning signs. You may not notice any symptoms, and women tend to have unconventional heart-related symptoms.
RELATED: Can You Tell If Your Own Heart Is Failing?
2. You’re Not Exerting Yourself When Shortness Of Breath Hits
Track your shortness of breath. Is it during a hard exercise or when you’re visibly working harder than usual? Does it happen while you’re not even trying? Dr. Rosen says certain cardiac issues might make you feel breathless at night and while walking or climbing stairs.
Shortness of breath that occurs abruptly, while you’re not exerting yourself, or when you typically wouldn’t be winded may indicate a heart problem.
3. You Already Have An Elevated Risk Of Heart Disease
Dr. Skopicki advises considering cardiovascular risk factors while assessing shortness of breath. These include pregnancy, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, renal illness, and a history of heart attack or other cardiac disorders (including being born with a heart condition).
The CDC says food and exercise may also have an impact, but these aspects are multifaceted and need careful evaluation of a person’s circumstances. Weight and BMI don’t always indicate cardiac health either.
When Should You See A Doctor?
Visit the emergency room if your symptoms appear suddenly and interfere with daily life. Dr. Rosen believes a strong allergic response or lung blood clot might cause abrupt shortness of breath.
Remember that many heart issues develop slowly, so don’t ignore mild symptoms. Dr. Rosen believes most people underestimate symptoms. “If anything doesn’t feel right, have it looked out?”
Depending on the urgency, this could mean visiting an ER, urgent care center, or primary care doctor for a checkup. If you have unexplained shortness of breath or a voice telling you something is wrong, visit a doctor. “You’re never too young or too elderly to worry about heart disease if you’re feeling shortness of breath,” says Dr. Rosen.