The Heart Beat

A study that appeared in the November 3rd edition of the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that shortness of breath may be a warning sign of heart disease. Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center determined that individuals who are not aware of having heart disease, but who develop shortness of breath, are four times more likely to die from a heart disease related cause than individuals without any symptoms.

Researchers hope that by identifying shortness of breath as a possible indicator of heart problems, they will encourage those who have risk factors for heart disease to talk to their health care providers sooner. According to Daniel Berman, M.D., senior author of the study, “Patients often do not interpret shortness of breath as a serious symptom, but particularly in patients who have cardiac risk factors and in patients without lung disease, it may be the only sign of the presence of serious coronary artery disease.”

If one is looking for shortness of breath as a possible sign of heart disease, it may lead them to their provider sooner. This could lead to earlier identification of heart disease, which would allow it to be treated before the first heart attack occurs. This is an especially important message for women, who often have shortness of breath or fatigue as presenting signs of a heart problem. Another blogger, Dr. Helen, has a great story about the signs that a woman has heart disease. It’s her personal story of having a heart attack at age 37, and some of the women at my WebMD message board will totally relate!

Ladies (and gentlemen) with shortness of breath, take this sign seriously! Talk with your health care provider about your risk for developing heart disease, and if you’re short of breath, report it. Early identification and intervention could save your life!

Laurie

Related Topics: Women and Heart Disease, Diabetes More Dangerous for Women’s Hearts