Shortness of breath is the persistent inability to get enough oxygen, often leaving you feeling as if you’re suffocating. And it’s a scary feeling. If you’re experiencing shortness of breath outside of normal circumstances, it may be a sign of a much larger problem, and you mustn’t ignore it. As a cardiologist, Dr. Craig Peterson of Eastern Shore Heart Center has the necessary diagnostic tools at his practice in Fairhope, Alabama to get to the bottom of your issue, allowing you to breathe easier again. If you’re struggling to get oxygen, call or book an appointment online.
Unexplained shortness of breath can be very scary, sometimes even leading to panic, which is why seeing Dr. Peterson gives you much-needed peace of mind.
The only way to find out what’s at the root of your problem is to have Dr. Peterson test you. He can either rule out or confirm the involvement of your heart.
What tests will be performed to determine why I have shortness of breath?
If you’re experiencing shortness of breath, the first crucial step is to see Dr. Peterson. The earlier, the better because if your heart is involved, Dr. Peterson can take immediate steps to remedy the situation.
During your appointment, Dr. Peterson works with a host of assessment and diagnostic tools that help pinpoint the problem. To start, Dr. Peterson gathers information on your medical history, the extent of your shortness of breath and your lifestyle. From there, he orders a series of tests, which may include:
During your appointment, Dr. Peterson works with a host of assessment and diagnostic tools that help pinpoint the problem. To start, Dr. Peterson gathers information on your medical history, the extent of your shortness of breath and your lifestyle. From there, he orders a series of tests, which may include:
Dr. Peterson also studies your blood to check for any signs of heart disease. Once Dr. Peterson tests you and either rules out or finds a heart problem, you can embark on a treatment plan or seek the help of another medical doctor if your heart is not causing your shortness of breath. If you’re struggling to get air, don’t wait; call Eastern Shore Heart Center or use our convenient form.