The Role of Anxiety in Shortness of Breath: How to Cope

Shortness of breath is a common symptom that often brings people into the cardiologist's office as it can be a sign of heart conditions. But something like anxiety can also lead to episodes of breathlessness, so it's important to understand the link between anxiety and shortness of breath if you are looking to manage this symptom, and it's also important to know when you should consider seeking help from your cardiologist. Learn more about the possible causes of shortness of breath by contacting Dr. Naim Al-Adli of the Fort Bend Heart Center in Sugar Land, TX and serving Richmond & Rosenberg, TX.

Anxiety and Shortness of Breath

When you feel stress and anxiety, your body responds by putting you into a "fight or flight" response, which prepares it to handle threats by increasing your heart rate and quickening your breathing.

But if you suffer from recurring anxiety, your body will typically trigger this same response even if there is no actual physical danger to prepare for. Symptoms of shortness of breath caused by anxiety often come and go quickly and can improve with relaxation techniques, which is typically not the case when heart issues cause it.

That's why it's so important to recognize the difference between shortness of breath induced by heart issues and anxiety. Both can be distressing, but when these symptoms are related to anxiety, they tend to occur primarily during worrying or stressful situations and may improve once you feel calm again. But if these stem from heart-related issues, they may happen regardless of your emotional state.

Shortness of Breath in Sugar Land, Richmond, and Rosenberg, TX

Anxiety can affect not just your breathing but it can also impact your cardiovascular system, as it can also spike your heart rate, which can feel like palpitations or fluttering. This can complicate your ability to differentiate between these, so always seek a professional diagnosis and help if you're feeling recurring issues with shortness of breath.

If you are concerned about your shortness of breath, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Al-Adli of the Fort Bend Heart Center by dialing (281) 265-8500 in Sugar Land, TX and serving Richmond & Rosenberg, TX.