Symptom 3: Breathlessness: An Invisible Anchor
Difficulty breathing, medically known as dyspnea, is another key symptom to be cognizant of. This may present as breathlessness or shortness of breath, feeling as if you’ve run a race when you haven’t moved at all. It’s as if an invisible anchor is weighing down your chest, preventing you from drawing a deep, satisfying breath.
This symptom might occur without any apparent reason and even in a state of rest. It can accompany chest discomfort but can also manifest independently. People often describe it as feeling winded, as if they’ve been physically exerting themselves even though they’re not.
The reason for breathlessness is tied to the heart’s critical role in oxygen transportation. When the heart struggles to pump efficiently, it can’t deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. As a result, you might feel breathless even when you’re not moving or exerting yourself.
Of course, breathlessness isn’t exclusive to heart problems. It’s a common symptom of many conditions, including lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, anemia, or anxiety disorders. However, sudden onset breathlessness, particularly if it’s severe or prolonged, can be a signal that something’s amiss with your heart. (3)
