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Continuous Sweating: Is It Just Fatigue or a Sign of a Heart Problem?

Published On June 10, 2025

Have you ever found yourself unusually winded after climbing stairs? Or gasping for air while lying down? While shortness of breath (also called dyspnea) can stem from simple causes like tiredness or lack of fitness, it can also point to serious heart or lung problems — some of which require urgent attention.

In this article, we’ll explore the most common causes of breathlessness, how to differentiate between harmless and dangerous symptoms, and how we diagnose and manage it at Arton James Clinic & Diagnostic Centre

What Causes Shortness of Breath?

Shortness of breath happens when your body isn’t getting enough oxygen — or feels like it isn’t. But the root causes can range from mild to life-threatening. Let’s look at some possibilities:

The heart and lungs work as a team. When the heart can’t pump effectively, fluid can back up into the lungs, making it harder to breathe. This can be due to:

🩺 Heart Failure (CHF)

A weak or stiff heart can’t circulate blood efficiently. Symptoms may include:

Breathlessness during exertion or while lying down
Swelling in the legs or feet (edema)
Fatigue and a chronic cough

This is a progressive condition but manageable with medication and lifestyle changes if diagnosed early.

❤️ Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Narrowed arteries reduce blood supply to the heart. This can cause:

Breathlessness during physical activity
Chest discomfort (angina)
Dizziness or fainting

In some people — especially women and diabetics — shortness of breath may be the only symptom of heart disease.

⚡ Arrhythmias (Irregular Heart Rhythms)

When the heart beats too fast, slow, or erratically, it can’t deliver enough oxygen-rich blood. You may experience:

Palpitations or a fluttering feeling in the chest
Sudden shortness of breath
Light headedness

An ECG or Holter test can detect these hidden irregularities.

🌬️ Asthma

A chronic condition where the airways narrow and swell. Symptoms include:

Wheezing or tightness in the chest
Coughing (especially at night)
Difficulty breathing after exposure to cold air or allergens

Inhalers and medications can control asthma if properly diagnosed.

🫁 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Often caused by long-term smoking, COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Progressive breathlessness
Frequent coughing with mucus
Difficulty exhaling fully

This condition worsens over time but can be managed with lifestyle changes and inhaled therapy.

🦠 Infections (Pneumonia, COVID-19, Tuberculosis)

Sudden-onset breathlessness, especially with fever and cough, may indicate an infection. Seek immediate care if:

Breathing becomes rapid and shallow
Chest pain worsens when breathing
Oxygen levels are low (measurable with a pulse oximeter)

Other Common Causes

😰 Anxiety or Panic Attacks

Can cause shortness of breath even in healthy people. Typically accompanied by:

Rapid heartbeat
Dizziness
Tingling in the hands or face
A feeling of choking or suffocation

The symptoms may feel intense but usually resolve in 15–30 minutes.

🦴 Anaemia

Low haemoglobin means less oxygen is carried in your blood. This can cause:

Fatigue with minimal exertion
Pale skin or cold hands and feet
Occasional breathlessness and dizziness

Blood tests can easily detect this, and treatment depends on the underlying cause.

🧍 Obesity or Sedentary Lifestyle

Extra weight can physically compress the lungs and make the heart work harder.

Breathlessness on light activity
Snoring or obstructive sleep apnea
Lack of stamina

Gradual weight loss and moderate exercise can significantly improve symptoms.

How Is Shortness of Breath Diagnosed?

At Arton James Clinic, we use a multi-departmental approach, combining our Cardiology, Pulmonology, and General Medicine departments to find the root cause. Your evaluation may include:

ECG – Checks heart rhythm and signs of cardiac stress
Echocardiogram – Assesses heart structure and pumping function
Chest X-ray or USG – Looks for lung or heart abnormalities
TMT (Stress Test) – Checks for heart-related breathlessness under exertion
Pulmonary Function Tests – Measures how well your lungs are working
Blood Tests – Including hemoglobin, BNP (for heart failure), and infection markers

Each case is different, and the key lies in timely diagnosis.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Don’t ignore these red flags:

Breathlessness that comes on suddenly
Trouble breathing while lying flat (orthopnea)
Bluish lips or fingertips
Swelling in the legs or feet
Associated chest pain, cough, or palpitations

Your Breathing Matters – Get Checked Early

Shortness of breath isn’t always a sign of something serious — but it can be. Whether the cause lies in your heart, lungs, or somewhere else, early diagnosis leads to better outcomes.

At Arton James Clinic, our experienced specialists and advanced diagnostic tools ensure you’re not left guessing. From cardiac evaluation to lung function testing, we’re equipped to get to the root of your symptoms — and guide you on the best treatment path.

🫁 Don’t wait to catch your breath. Take control today.