Symptoms · Manhattan Cardiovascular Associates
Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
Shortness of breath is the feeling that you can’t get enough air. It can come on suddenly or last for days. It can happen when you’re active or at rest. Either way, a doctor should check it, because it can be a sign of heart disease.
Medically reviewed by Michael Ghalchi, MD, FACC · Last reviewed: Pending review
- What it can mean
- Shortness of breath (doctors call it dyspnea) can come from a heart or lung problem. Some causes are anemia, asthma, COPD, a lung infection, heart failure, heart valve disease, a blood clot in the lung, or a heart attack.
- When to see a cardiologist
- Book a visit if you get short of breath and don’t know why, even if it doesn’t happen often. If it comes with nausea, fainting, chest pain, blue lips or nails, or confusion, or if it is severe and sudden, get emergency care right away.
- What happens at MCVA
- Dr. Ghalchi sees you himself. The tests you may need are done right here in our office, quickly — sometimes the same day. He reads every study himself. You leave with answers and a written plan.
- Insurance and referrals
- No referral needed. We are in-network with most major plans, and we can check yours before you come.
Same-day appointments available
What it can feel like
People feel shortness of breath in different ways. Some can’t catch their breath. Others feel a tightness in the chest that makes it hard to breathe.
It can come with other symptoms, such as:
- Swelling in the feet or ankles
- Wheezing
- A high fever or chills
- Trouble breathing when lying flat
Tell your doctor about all of your symptoms. It helps find the cause.
Common causes
Long-lasting (more than a month)
Anemia, obesity, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung infection, heart failure, heart valve disease, or fluid around the heart or lungs.
Sudden
Heart failure, a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in a lung artery), or a heart attack.
Even if shortness of breath only happens now and then, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to make sure no health problem is behind it.
Treatment
Once Dr. Ghalchi finds the cause, he makes a plan to manage your symptoms and treat any health problem behind them.
How we find the cause
Tests that may help
Dr. Ghalchi chooses tests based on your symptoms. They are done right here in our office, quickly — sometimes the same day — and he reads every study himself.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)A quick recording of your heart’s electrical activity, done at the visit.
- EchocardiogramAn ultrasound that shows your heart’s size, pumping and valves.
- Stress testShows how your heart works while you exercise.
Related conditions
Related symptoms
Questions patients ask
Shortness of breath: common questions
Is shortness of breath a heart problem?
It can be. The lungs, anemia and other conditions can cause it too. A visit and tests help find out which.
I only get short of breath sometimes. Should I get checked?
Yes. Even if it comes and goes, it’s worth checking to make sure no health problem is behind it.
What should I tell the doctor?
Tell him about all of your symptoms, like swelling in your feet or ankles, wheezing, fever, chills, or trouble breathing when you lie flat. This helps find the cause.
What tests might I need?
Most visits include an ECG. Dr. Ghalchi may also order an echocardiogram or a stress test. These are done here in our office, quickly — sometimes the same day.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book with Dr. Ghalchi directly. We are in-network with most major plans. If you’re not sure about your plan, call us and we’ll check.
Can I be seen today?
Same-day appointments available. You can book online up to 2 hours ahead, or call 212-686-0066. How same-day appointments work
Book
Get it checked. See Dr. Ghalchi.
Choose an open time on Dr. Ghalchi’s calendar, or call and we’ll find one with you. Same-day appointments available, in-network, no referral needed.