With shortness of breath, you may not be able to adequately fill your lungs with air. This scary sensation may develop from several causes, including a problem with your heart. The board-certified cardiology physicians at Cardiology Specialists of Orange County provide high-quality cardiovascular care and testing. They can determine if your shortness of breath is a symptom of an underlying heart condition. To schedule a consultation, call the office in Santa Ana, Irvine, or Newport Beach, California, or book an appointment online today.
Shortness of breath, medically known as dyspnea, is a sensation of not getting enough air in your lungs when you breathe in. With shortness of breath, you may feel:
Though the cause of your breathing difficulties may not be a serious health issue, shortness of breath may be signs you have a heart or lung condition.
Many conditions may cause shortness of breath. You might find it hard to breathe after an intense aerobic workout or when the weather is hot and humid.
Health conditions that may cause shortness of breath include:
Your shortness of breath may come on suddenly and resolve quickly or be a chronic problem that worsens during activity or weather changes.
You should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if your shortness of breath is severe and affecting your ability to function. You also need emergency medical care if you’re also having chest pain, feeling faint, or experiencing changes in mental clarity.
If you have concerns your shortness of breath may be due to a heart condition, the board-certified cardiologists at Cardiology Specialists of Orange County can help.
They also recommend you schedule a consultation if your shortness of breath symptoms include swelling in your legs or ankles or difficulty breathing when you lie down. These symptoms may be signs of congestive heart failure.
You can expect a patient-centered evaluation at Cardiology Specialists of Orange County when you come in with concerns about shortness of breath.
Your doctor asks detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, and family history during your exam. They then perform a physical exam and run lab work to assess general health.
To confirm or rule out a cardiac condition, your provider at Cardiology Specialists of Orange County may request diagnostic tests, such as:
Cardiology Specialists of Orange County is a state-of-the-art cardiology practice, and they perform most cardiovascular tests on-site.
To schedule a consultation at Cardiology Specialists of Orange County, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.
