Shortness Of Breath is a serious issue and one that needs to be diagnosed as soon as possible. Dr. Naim Al-Adli of Fort Bend Heart Center in Sugar Land, TX provides the services you need to get a diagnosis and treatment for this condition.
When you have shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, you want to find out what is causing it. There isn't just one cause. It can be caused by everything from asthma to just being out of shape. But, if you have a family history of heart disease, or you have reason to suspect that you may have heart disease, it is important that you see a cardiologist to get the tests necessary to figure out exactly what is going on.
Tachycardia
Supraventricular or atrial tachycardia (SVT) is a rapid heart rate that begins in the atria which are the upper chambers of the heart. It can result in a heart attack or mitral valve disease. Another form of tachycardia is ventricular tachycardia, and it begins in the ventricle or lower chambers of the heart. Both types can cause shortness of breath in Sugar Land, TX.
One way to diagnose this condition is with an electrocardiogram. Your cardiologist will be able to determine if you need to have treatment and will discuss the options with you. Sometimes it is as simple as cutting down on caffeine.
Pulmonary edema
Pulmonary edema is a build-up of fluid in the lungs that is often caused by heart failure. When the heart gets too weak to effectively pump blood, this is one of the results. A chest X-ray is one of the first tests for pulmonary edema, but others may be indicated.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscles. It can be hereditary but not always. When the muscles weaken, it makes it hard for the heart to pump blood and this can lead to, among other things, shortness of breath. A chest x-ray and/or an echocardiogram can help with the diagnosis of this condition.
Heart failure
Heart failure is a progressive heart condition that causes the muscles in the heart to weaken to the point where they can no longer provide the body with the blood that it needs. Blood tests can help to diagnose this condition, as well as an electrocardiogram.
If you are suffering from shortness of breath, Dr. Al-Adli of Fort Bend Heart Center in Sugar Land, TX can give you the diagnosis and the treatment you require. Call his office at (281) 265-8500 to make an appointment.