Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)

About

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What is Shortness of Breath?

Shortness of breath — also called dyspnea — is difficulty breathing or feeling like you cannot get enough air. While often linked to lung conditions, it can also be a key sign of heart disease or heart failure. Often times, it is difficult to determine if symptoms are related to a heart or a lung abnormality without certain testing,

Is Shortness of Breath Common?

Yes, especially in people with underlying heart or lung conditions.

Can Shortness of Breath be treated?

Yes — treating the underlying cause usually resolves or improves symptoms.

Causes

  • Heart failure 
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Valvular heart disease
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Arrhythmias
  • Lung disorders (asthma, COPD)
  • Anemia

With Insurance

Cardiology

Your copay
Depending on insurance

Without Insurance

*Price Effective 12/1/2025
$169
Initial Visit
$109
Follow Up

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Symptoms

Diagnosis

  • Physical exam and oxygen level test
  • Chest imaging (X-ray or CT)
  • ECG
  • Echocardiogram
  • Pulmonary function tests
  • Blood work

Treatment

Depends on the underlying cause and severity:

  • Heart medications, valvular repair or revascularization if cardiac-related
  • Oxygen therapy when needed
  • Treatment for lung disease if pulmonary etiology is present
  • Lifestyle changes (weight control, exercise)

References

  • American Heart Association (AHA) – Shortness of Breath and Heart Disease
    https://www.heart.org
  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) – Dyspnea and Cardiopulmonary Causes
    https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
  • Mayo Clinic – Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Causes & Diagnosis
    https://www.mayoclinic.org
  • UpToDate – Evaluation of Dyspnea in Adults
  • American College of Cardiology (ACC) – Dyspnea and Cardiovascular Disease
  • Cleveland Clinic – Dyspnea Overview

Medically reviewed by:

Dr. Javeed Siddiqui, MD, MPH

Dr. Siddiqui is the Chief Medical Officer at TeleMed2U responsible for clinical and technical program development as well as maintaining a thriving telemedicine practice in infectious diseases which includes specialized care of Hepatitis and HIV.

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Affordable – with or without insurance

With Insurance

Cardiology

Your copay
Depending on insurance

Without Insurance

*Price Effective 12/1/2025
$169
Initial Visit
$109
Follow Up

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Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

  1. Item 1
  2. Item 2
  3. Item 3

Unordered list

  • Item A
  • Item B
  • Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

Superscript

Subscript