Breathing Difficulties: When to See a Cardiologist

Respiratory issues

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing difficulty breathing for the past year, needing to take deep breaths to feel like I can breathe properly.
I have seen both a pulmonologist and a psychiatrist, but there hasn't been much improvement.
Over the past two months, the difficulty has worsened, and I often feel short of breath, requiring deep breaths.
Sometimes, I also feel like I can't burp (which is not as easy as it used to be).
Recently, I've been feeling a tightness in my chest, and at times it hurts, with two instances of pain radiating to my right shoulder blade.
Additionally, my smartwatch has recorded a resting heart rate above 110 bpm for the past two months, and I've received notifications about this five times.
Sometimes, I also feel like my breathing is not coordinated.
Could you please advise me on which specialty I should consult? Thank you.
🙏

Mandy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/04/02

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology

Due to your young age and lack of chronic diseases, your risk of developing heart disease is low.
Many factors in life can contribute to this situation, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages.
It is advisable to adjust your lifestyle and engage in regular exercise.
However, if symptoms persist, it is still recommended to visit a cardiology department for an electrocardiogram (ECG) examination.

Reply Date: 2021/04/02

More Info

When experiencing breathing difficulties, especially when they are accompanied by chest pain, it is crucial to approach the situation with caution. Your symptoms, which include the need to take deep breaths, chest tightness, and pain radiating to the back, warrant a thorough evaluation. Given that you have already consulted with pulmonologists and psychiatrists without significant improvement, it may be time to consider a visit to a cardiologist.

Breathing difficulties can stem from a variety of causes, including respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but they can also be indicative of cardiovascular issues. Symptoms such as chest pain, especially if it radiates to the back or shoulder, can sometimes suggest heart-related problems, including angina or even more serious conditions like a heart attack. The fact that your resting heart rate has been elevated (above 110 bpm) is also concerning and could indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

In your case, the combination of symptoms—breathing difficulties, chest tightness, and pain—suggests that a comprehensive cardiac evaluation is warranted. A cardiologist can perform tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, or even a stress test to assess the function of your heart and rule out any potential cardiac causes for your symptoms. Additionally, they may recommend a 24-hour Holter monitor to capture any irregularities in your heart rhythm that may not be present during a standard ECG.

It is also important to consider the psychological aspect of your symptoms. Anxiety and panic attacks can manifest as physical symptoms, including shortness of breath and chest pain. If your breathing difficulties are exacerbated by stress or anxiety, addressing these mental health components may also be beneficial. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of therapy can help manage anxiety and improve your overall well-being.

In summary, given your symptoms and the lack of improvement from previous consultations, I recommend that you see a cardiologist. They will be able to conduct a thorough evaluation and determine if there are any underlying heart conditions contributing to your breathing difficulties. Additionally, consider discussing your mental health with a professional, as managing anxiety can significantly improve your quality of life and potentially alleviate some of your physical symptoms.
Remember, it is essential to advocate for your health. If you feel that your concerns are not being addressed, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion or request further testing. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, and getting to the root of your symptoms is the first step toward feeling better.

Similar Q&A

Breathing Difficulties: When to See a Cardiologist for Help

Hello doctor, recently I often need to take deep breaths to adjust my breathing. When I lie down on the bed to rest and then get up, I feel dizzy. When I squat down, I feel like I can't get enough air, and when I stand up, I have to take a deep breath to feel like I'm b...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, it seems that you are experiencing autonomic nervous system dysfunction. I recommend visiting the psychosomatic medicine clinic at Changhua Hospital for further evaluation and care.

Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Help

Hello, Doctor: In March of this year, I suddenly experienced chest tightness and difficulty breathing, feeling as if I couldn't get enough air, so I went to the hospital's cardiology department for an examination. After an electrocardiogram and blood tests, myocardial i...

Dr. Chen Pengsheng reply Family Medicine
Dear Johnny, After reading your description, I understand that you have undergone many examinations and learned about hyperventilation syndrome. I want to emphasize that the physicians you have encountered are very dedicated and excellent. The real issue seems to stem from diff...

Understanding Chest Pain: When to See a Pulmonologist

Three months ago, I experienced tightness in my chest and difficulty breathing, which worsened. After three weeks, it happened again, and two weeks later, it occurred once more. Now it seems to happen almost daily, making breathing uncomfortable. I find myself needing to breathe ...

Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello, regarding the issue of chest pain, it can manifest from mild conditions (such as muscle pain) to severe conditions (such as pulmonary embolism or myocardial infarction). Therefore, it is recommended that you first schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist for further ev...

Understanding Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Heart Care

Hello Dr. Lin: A few months ago, I experienced pain while breathing. Recently, I have been feeling a persistent dull pain almost every day when I breathe, and my breathing feels restricted. At night, it feels like my breathing is being constricted, which is very uncomfortable. A ...

Dr. Lin Jixiong reply Cardiology
Hello: If chest pain occurs in conjunction with breathing, the correlation with the heart is likely minimal. However, if it is accompanied by palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, along with symptoms such as dizziness, numbness in the hands, and nausea, it may be du...