Patient question
When shortness of breath occurs after activity, how should one decide whether to see a cardiologist or another specialty?
Answer reviewed by Liu Jihong, Chief Physician
Professional answer
Shortness of breath after activity can involve multiple systems and cannot be determined by symptoms alone. It is advisable to first contact a primary care provider, general internal medicine, or an existing cardiovascular physician for triage, and describe the time of onset, level of activity, accompanying chest pain, palpitations, and past medical history. If shortness of breath is also significant at rest, suddenly worsens, or is accompanied by chest pain or fainting, seek emergency care immediately.