Why do I become short of breath and pant heavily as soon as I exercise?

Apr 17, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Tian Hongbo

Introduction

Shortness of breath during physical activity may be due to infrequent exercise and low lung capacity, as exercise requires substantial lung capacity, leading to oxygen deficiency. Myocarditis can impair blood supply to the heart; physical activity increases the heart's workload, causing myocardial ischemia and hypoxia. Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease narrows arterial lumens, resulting in reduced oxygen supply. During exercise, when oxygen demand is high, insufficient oxygen availability leads to hypoxia.

Shortness of breath during physical activity may be due to physiological reasons, or it could result from conditions such as myocarditis or coronary atherosclerotic heart disease.

1. Physiological causes

Individuals who do not exercise regularly tend to have lower lung capacity. During physical activity, the body requires greater lung capacity, which may lead to oxygen deficiency and cause shortness of breath. It is recommended to increase daily physical exercise, such as cycling or running.

2. Myocarditis

If a person has myocarditis, the heart muscle cells are damaged, affecting blood supply to the heart. Physical activity increases the heart's workload, leading to myocardial ischemia and hypoxia, thus causing shortness of breath. Patients should ensure adequate rest to reduce cardiac load and undergo appropriate examinations to determine the exact cause. If the condition is caused by a virus, antiviral medications such as acyclovir tablets, ganciclovir tablets, or valacyclovir tablets may be used under medical supervision.

3. Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease

Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease causes narrowing of the arterial lumen, reducing blood flow to the heart and resulting in hypoxia. During exercise, the body's demand for oxygen increases, but insufficient oxygen supply may lead to symptoms of oxygen deficiency. It is recommended to take medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets, clopidogrel tablets, or ticagrelor tablets under a doctor’s guidance to reduce cardiac burden and relieve symptoms.

In addition, exertional dyspnea may also occur in patients with cardiogenic heart disease, and timely treatment is advised.

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