Breathlessness

Heart tests help establish whether a problem with your heart could explain shortness of breath. An ECG, echocardiogram and NT-proBNP blood test assess different aspects of heart function. Reassuring results make some cardiac causes less likely, but their meaning depends on which tests you had, when they were performed and the symptoms being investigated. If…

Breathlessness can continue after reassuring heart tests because breathing also depends on the lungs, blood, breathing muscles and physical conditioning. Possible non-cardiac causes include asthma, other lung conditions, anaemia, breathing pattern disorder and reduced fitness after illness. Normal heart tests help narrow the investigation, but they do not explain the symptom by themselves. Their meaning…

Cycling in London can expose you to traffic pollution that irritates your airways and worsens existing lung conditions. Because you breathe more heavily during exercise, you may inhale a greater dose of pollutants. For most people, regular cycling still offers health benefits despite urban air pollution. The practical priorities are reducing exposure and recognising symptoms…

Tests for unexplained breathlessness often start with blood tests, an ECG, a chest X-ray and spirometry. Depending on the findings, further investigations may include detailed lung function tests, an echocardiogram or chest CT. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) can help when symptoms remain unexplained, particularly during activity. You will not necessarily need every test. This guide…