Shortness of breath could indicate a serious underlying medical problem requiring treatment. If you struggle to get a full breath of air, turn to Advanced Heart Care Associates, with a location in Henderson, Nevada, and two locations in Las Vegas, Nevada. The skilled cardiology experts find the cause of shortness of breath and treat it to reduce the risk of complications. Call one of the offices to schedule an appointment or book online today.
Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea, occurs when you have trouble getting a full breath of air. It’s a tight feeling in your chest that makes it difficult to breathe deeply. Shortness of breath could be more than simply a nuisance. It might indicate a heart or lung problem that requires treatment to prevent serious complications.
The earlier you seek treatment for shortness of breath, the better your outcome. Visit Advanced Heart Care Associates at the first of a problem.
Common causes of shortness of breath include:
Finding the root cause of shortness of breath is the key to reducing your chance of life-threatening complications.
Advanced Heart Care Associates diagnoses medical conditions or pinpoints lifestyle habits that cause shortness of breath. Your cardiologist reviews your symptoms and medical history, checks your blood pressure, pulse, and other vital signs, and completes a comprehensive physical exam. They also listen to your heartbeat and breathing.
Diagnostic tests they might recommend include blood tests, lung function tests, stress tests, other heart-function tests, X-rays, a CT scan, or additional imaging procedures. Your specialist then tailors a treatment that matches your individualized needs.
Your treatment plan for shortness of breath depends on its cause and its severity. Your Advanced Heart Care Associates provider could recommend you try exercise rehabilitation, use an inhaler, or undergo oxygen therapy.
Avoid smoking, achieve or maintain an ideal body weight, eat nutritious foods, reduce your sodium intake if your specialist recommends it, and get regular exercise.
You might need to take medications or undergo a medical procedure if you have heart disease or its risk factors.
At the first sign of shortness of breath, call Advanced Heart Care Associates or schedule an appointment online today.