Ask the doctor: Is my breathlessness a heart or lung problem?

Ask the doctor

Is my breathlessness a heart or lung problem?

Q. I had a quadruple bypass seven years ago and felt fine until recently. A few months back I found myself taking frequent short breaths when I climbed the stairs in my home. Once I stopped exerting myself, my breathing soon returned to normal. Is this due to a problem with my heart or my lungs?

A. While your shortness of breath could be due to a lung problem like bronchospasm, you and your doctor should look first at your heart to see if your heart's pumping function has deteriorated. I would recommend getting an echocardiogram to check the size of your left and right ventricles and their ability to pump. If your heart's size and function look normal, or close to it, consider getting an exercise test to see if your heart is developing ischemia (inadequate blood flow) with exertion. While the classic symptom of ischemia is the chest pressure we call angina, many patients experience shortness of breath instead.

To continue reading this article, you must log in.

Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.

  • Research health conditions
  • Check your symptoms
  • Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
  • Find the best treatments and procedures for you
  • Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online »

I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.

Sign Me Up

Already a member? Login ».

Disclaimer:

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss...from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

BONUS! Sign up now and
get a FREE copy of the
Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.