What Causes Shortness Of Breath Upon Exertion?

Posted on Sun, 4 Oct 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 4 Oct 2015 Answered on

Wed, 21 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : upon exertion I cannot catch my breath and must sit. I had an echo cardiogram and he said it was normal. I am taking Spiriva for COPD although my oxygen level is fine. What is the trouble? It is interfering with my life.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice...

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

Your symptoms most probably are related to heart problems. Although the cardiac echo was normal this doesn't exclude coronary (heart) arteries blockage. Coronary arteries blockage may be manifested with dyspnea upon exertion.

If you were my patient I would recommend to do a nuclear stress test or echocardiographic stress test in order to exclude cardiac problems.

Only after excluding heart problems, your symptoms may be a manifestaton of COPD.

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar