Shortness of Breath When Walking? 3 Possible Causes

You need a steady stream of oxygen to stay alive. When your body thinks it’s not getting enough, that shortness of breath can cause both physical and mental stress.

If you’re regularly short of breath while you’re walking, it’s definitely worth taking note and taking action. At Manhattan Integrative Cardiovascular in Midtown East, Manhattan, New York City, David Bolon, MD, can help you figure out what’s going on. He specializes in treating shortness of breath. 

Usually, this issue stems from one of three overarching problem categories. 

1. Fitness-related causes

Shortness of breath often comes from a simple cause: physical overexertion. If you get short of breath when you’re climbing stairs, walking quickly, or visiting a higher altitude, it’s nothing to worry about from a health condition perspective.

That said, if you routinely get out of breath when walking, it’s likely a sign you should be moving more. Work on your physical fitness by walking more regularly. We recommend at least 150 minutes per week (about 30 minutes per day, five days per week) of moderate-intensity physical activity. A brisk walk can tick that box.

If you work your way up to that level of consistent activity and still experience shortness of breath, something else is likely going on. 

2. Respiratory-related causes

Sometimes, the shortness of breath develops because your lungs and airways aren’t working as they should. Asthma can narrow your airways, which can cause this problem. A lung infection or chronic bronchitis can similarly cause difficulty breathing. 

Typically, respiratory problems cause telltale symptoms such as tightness when you breathe, wheezing or rattling, or a cough. Listening to your breath with a stethoscope can often give your doctor a better idea of what’s going on. 

3. Heart-related causes

Your heart and lungs work together: your lungs deliver oxygen, and your heart pumps it throughout your body via your blood. The close relationship between your cardiac and respiratory systems means that heart issues can cause shortness of breath.

Some of the most common culprits here include:

• Arrhythmia 
• Cardiac tamponade
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Pericarditis
• Pulmonary hypertension 

Dr. Bolon has extensive experience in determining the underlying causes of shortness of breath. He conducts diagnostic tests such as lab tests,  stress tests, or echocardiograms to better understand what’s affecting your breathing. 

By evaluating how your heart performs, Dr. Bolon can usually determine what’s causing your breathing difficulty. This way, he can target treatment at the source. 

This doesn’t just help you breathe more easily. It also addresses the underlying cause of shortness of breath. When that’s a heart issue, this kind of care could save your life. 

If you get short of breath when you walk, don’t ignore it. To figure out why that’s happening, call our office at (716) 303-4738 or book your appointment online today.