Shortness of Breath
Also known as: Breathlessness, Dyspnoea, Dyspnea, Exertional breathlessness, Cardiac breathlessness
Expert diagnosis and management at Complete Heart Centre. All consultations and diagnostic tests are 100% bulk billed through Medicare. All cardiology referrals accepted.
About Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath (dyspnoea) that is out of proportion to your level of activity can be a sign of an underlying heart problem. Cardiac causes of breathlessness include heart failure, valve disease, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and pulmonary hypertension. Orthopnoea (breathlessness when lying flat) and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea (waking at night gasping for breath) are particularly suggestive of a cardiac cause. A cardiologist can determine whether your breathlessness is related to your heart and recommend appropriate treatment. In Australia, unexplained shortness of breath is one of the most common reasons for referral to a cardiologist.
Common Symptoms
- Difficulty breathing during normal activities
- Breathlessness when lying flat (needing extra pillows)
- Waking at night short of breath
- Reduced ability to exercise compared to previously
- Feeling winded with minimal exertion
- Breathlessness accompanied by chest pain or swelling in the legs
When to See a Cardiologist
If shortness of breath is new, worsening, or cannot be explained by other causes such as asthma or lung disease, your GP may refer you to a cardiologist to rule out cardiac causes. Breathlessness that occurs when lying flat, wakes you at night, or is accompanied by chest pain, palpitations, or leg swelling warrants prompt cardiac assessment.
How We Investigate
An echocardiogram is the first-line test to assess heart function, valve integrity, and fluid around the heart. It can identify heart failure, valve disease, and cardiomyopathy as causes of breathlessness. A stress echocardiogram may be recommended to evaluate how the heart performs during exercise and detect conditions that only become apparent with physical exertion.
$0
Your cost with Medicare
Related Diagnostic Services
Need Urgent Help?
If you are experiencing sudden or severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, call 000 immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about shortness of breath.
Other Conditions We Treat
All consultations and diagnostic tests are 100% bulk billed through Medicare.
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Palpitations
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High Blood Pressure
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Heart Failure
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Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease in Australia and the leading ...
Ischaemic Heart Disease
Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) occurs when the blood supply to the heart muscle is reduced, usually d...
Concerned About Shortness of Breath?
With a Medicare card and GP referral, your specialist consultation and all diagnostic tests are fully bulk billed. Book at our Sydenham, Bundoora or Williams Landing clinic.