MAILBAG: Decoding Chest Pain and Breathlessness During Activity
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 1, 2024
“I’ve been having chest pain and shortness of breath when I’m active. Could this be a sign of a heart problem? What tests should I undergo to determine if there’s an issue?”
-Paul
Hi Paul,
Regardless of past heart history, I always advise folks to seek medical help immediately if they experience concerning symptoms, including chest pain and shortness of breath.
These symptoms during physical activity could be potential signs of a heart problem, but it’s essential to NOT jump to conclusions without proper medical evaluation.
Various factors, some of which are unrelated to the heart, can also cause similar symptoms.
It’s crucial to consult with your primary care physician or a cardiologist to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. They’ll assess your medical history, risk factors, and current symptoms to determine the cause of your issue and the most appropriate treatments.
Several tests can be used to evaluate your heart health and identify any potential issues:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This non-invasive test records the electrical activity of your heart, helping to detect irregular rhythms, heart muscle damage, or signs of inadequate blood flow.
- Stress Test: During this test, you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike while your heart’s activity is monitored through an ECG. This helps assess how your heart performs under physical stress and can reveal issues that may not be apparent at rest.
- Echocardiogram: This ultrasound test provides a detailed picture of your heart’s structure and function, allowing doctors to evaluate the heart valves, chambers, and overall performance.
- Coronary Angiogram: In this more invasive test, a special dye is injected into the arteries of your heart, and X-rays are taken to visualize any blockages or narrowing of the coronary arteries.
Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate tests based on your specific situation. It’s essential to have an open and honest discussion about your symptoms, lifestyle, and any other relevant factors to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Once you have a diagnosis, you can decide how to treat it. Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you experience persistent or concerning symptoms.
P.S. Check out my earlier post, “8 Red Flags There’s a Heart Attack in YOUR Future.”
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Are You "Addicted" to Soda? (It's NOT Your Fault)
Ever have a friend who claims they’re “addicted” to their favorite soft drink? Or maybe you feel like you can’t get enough of your preferred soda? Big Beverage spends billions annually developing crave-worthy products. They convince us to gulp down those liquid sugar bombs, insisting they’re perfectly safe “in moderation.” Now, you and I both...
"Doomed to Diabetes?" Not with THIS $3 Supplement Solution
You’ve probably heard the warning from your doctor: “Once insulin resistance sets in, there’s no turning back.” They make it sound like catching a whiff of a donut dooms you to Diabetes Town—with no exits. But what if I told you this oft-repeated “fact” is about as reliable as diet advice from the vice president...
Hidden Hormone Drop Puts Your Heart at Risk
Ladies, if you’re currently going through menopause—or have already gone through “the change”—there’s a good chance your heart health is at risk. See, as estrogen levels decline, your cardiovascular protection decreases. This leaves you more vulnerable to heart disease. But nature offers a surprising ally in this battle—and, oddly enough, you’ll find it in the...
America’s Next Prescription Epidemic?
It started with a prescription to help you stay focused… But now, for millions of Americans, that little orange pill bottle could be a gateway to something much darker. According to a brand-new national study, one in four adults prescribed stimulants for ADHD is misusing them—and nearly one in 10 has developed a full-blown use...
Is Your Diet ACTUALLY Healthy? Here’s How to Tell
I’ve probably uttered the phrase “healthy diet” when talking to patients, family, and friends more times than I’ve had cups of coffee—and that’s saying something! But I’ll admit it’s not always entirely clear what a healthy diet looks like. What does healthy eating really mean? Let’s take a look… Good news—healthy eating doesn’t mean you...
7 Natural Ways to Tackle Pain Without Pills
On Tuesday, we explored a promising new frontier in pain relief: terpenes, natural compounds found in cannabis (and other plants) that may ease pain without the risks of opioids. That research is still developing. But what if you’re looking for help right now? Good news: You don’t have to wait for a pharmaceutical breakthrough to...
Mailbag: Pinched to Pain Free with Natural Sciatica Solutions
“I have been suffering from sciatic pain in my hip and groin. I try to do exercises to stretch it. But ever since I slipped on the ice and fell on my left hip it seems to be getting worse. Is there any help for this?” -Painfully Pinched Dear Pinched, I understand how frustrating sciatic...
New Cannabis Discovery Could Ease Pain—Without the High
A few years ago, everywhere you turned, someone was talking about CBD. The cannabis extract had exploded in popularity for everything from anxiety to inflammation to joint pain. And while the CBD conversation continues, another cannabis compound is quietly making headlines. One that could—believe it or not—provide relief from all kinds of pain. Without the...
"Sinful Trio" SLASHES Metabolic Syndrome Risk
Are you tired of hearing your doctor’s endless “don’t eat this, don’t drink that” lectures? Well, this Easter Sunday, I’ve got news that might just have you hopping happily to your pantry. Turns out, some of life’s tastiest pleasures could help protect you from one of today’s most common health threats—metabolic syndrome. Let’s dig into...
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...