Chest pain and shortness of breath are two of the most alarming symptoms a person can experience. They often happen together, and while sometimes they stem from something minor—like overexertion or anxiety—they can also signal life-threatening conditions such as a heart attack or pulmonary disease.
At Colorado Springs Cardiology, we frequently see patients who come in worried about these exact issues. Understanding what’s behind chest pain and shortness of breath is critical for protecting your health and knowing when it’s time to seek immediate medical attention.
The heart and lungs work closely to deliver oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. When something interferes with either system, the result can be both chest discomfort and difficulty breathing. For example, a blocked coronary artery can reduce blood flow, causing pain in the chest while also depriving the body of oxygen, leaving you short of breath.
These symptoms are especially concerning in older adults or people with risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or diabetes. But they can affect anyone, which is why it’s important not to ignore them.
Since we specialize in heart health, let’s begin with the most common cardiac-related reasons for these symptoms.
CAD occurs when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, narrowing them and limiting blood flow to the heart. This can cause angina—chest pain that worsens with exertion and improves with rest. Angina often comes with shortness of breath because the heart is working harder than it should.
A heart attack happens when a coronary artery becomes completely blocked, stopping blood flow to part of the heart muscle. Symptoms include:
This is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if you suspect a heart attack.
When the heart can’t pump efficiently, fluid can back up into the lungs, leading to congestive heart failure. Patients may feel persistent shortness of breath, especially when lying flat, along with chest discomfort, fatigue, and swelling in the legs or ankles.
Abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, can reduce how effectively the heart pumps blood. This can result in chest fluttering or discomfort along with shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
Sometimes, the cause of chest pain and shortness of breath lies in the lungs rather than the heart.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, blocking blood flow. This can cause sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and coughing up blood. PE is life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.
COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, makes it difficult to breathe due to damaged airways. People with COPD often report chest tightness along with progressive shortness of breath, particularly with exertion
Lung infections can cause sharp chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. Fluid or inflammation in the lungs makes it harder to exchange oxygen, leaving patients short of breath.
Not all cases of chest pain and shortness of breath are tied to heart or lung problems. Sometimes the cause is less obvious.
Anxiety can mimic heart problems. Panic attacks often cause chest tightness, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty catching your breath. While not life-threatening, these episodes can feel overwhelming and frightening.
Muscle strain, rib injuries, or inflammation in the chest wall (costochondritis) can lead to localized chest pain that worsens with movement or deep breaths.
Acid reflux can create a burning sensation in the chest that may be mistaken for heart pain. Sometimes it’s accompanied by a feeling of breathlessness, especially if reflux reaches the throat.
Excess weight and lack of physical fitness can cause exertional shortness of breath and chest discomfort during even mild activity. Over time, these factors also increase the risk of developing heart disease.
Because these symptoms can indicate a serious, life-threatening problem, it’s important to know the warning signs. Call 911 or seek emergency care immediately if you experience:
Even if symptoms turn out to be minor, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
At Colorado Springs Cardiology, we use advanced diagnostic tools to uncover the cause of chest pain and shortness of breath. Depending on your symptoms, tests may include:
The goal is to rule out life-threatening conditions quickly and create a plan for treatment.
The right treatment depends on the underlying cause:
In all cases, addressing risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, and poor diet is essential for long-term health.
While not every case can be prevented, many risk factors are within your control. Protecting your heart and lungs involves:
At Colorado Springs Cardiology, we encourage preventive care as much as treatment. Catching potential issues early can save lives (Colorado Springs Cardiology Services).
If you’ve ever experienced chest pain or shortness of breath, even if the symptoms went away, it’s wise to follow up with a cardiologist. We can help determine whether your heart is healthy and provide strategies to reduce future risks.
Our team is committed to guiding patients in Colorado Springs and the surrounding area toward better heart health. Whether you need diagnostic testing, ongoing management, or preventive care, we’re here to help.
Chest pain and shortness of breath are symptoms you should never ignore. While they sometimes have harmless explanations, they can also point to serious heart or lung conditions that require immediate care.
At Colorado Springs Cardiology, we provide expert evaluation and treatment for patients facing these concerning symptoms. If you or a loved one has experienced chest pain or shortness of breath, don’t wait—schedule an appointment today to take charge of your heart health.