What could cause a 70-year-old elderly person to suddenly feel short of breath, and what should be done?

　　A sudden feeling of breathlessness in a 70-year-old elderly person may be caused by excessive fatigue, hypoglycemia, arrhythmia, angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, or other reasons. Appropriate treatment should be selected based on the specific cause. Detailed analysis is as follows:

　　1. Excessive Fatigue

　　Prolonged heavy physical labor or staying up late may lead to excessive physical exhaustion, which can easily cause circulatory and metabolic disturbances. The body may experience symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, and chest tightness. It is recommended that patients get adequate rest, maintain a balance between work and rest, and avoid staying up late, which can effectively relieve discomfort.

　　2. Hypoglycemia

　　If the individual has poor physical condition and insufficient sugar intake over a long period, the body may lack energy and fail to meet normal metabolic demands, leading to hypoglycemia and causing the aforementioned symptoms. Drinking sugary beverages such as sugar water or honey water appropriately can help alleviate discomfort.

　　3. Arrhythmia

　　This refers to abnormal heart rhythms, including tachycardia, bradycardia, or irregular heartbeat. Arrhythmia can result in inadequate blood pumping by the heart, thus causing symptoms such as chest tightness, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Medications such as Arotinolol Hydrochloride Tablets or Metoprolol Tartrate Tablets may be taken under medical guidance.

　　4. Angina Pectoris

　　This condition is caused by myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery narrowing or blockage. Myocardial ischemia leads to insufficient oxygen supply to the heart, resulting in symptoms such as chest tightness and chest pain. Medications such as Amlodipine Besylate Tablets or Ivabradine Hydrochloride Tablets may be taken under medical guidance.

　　5. Acute Myocardial Infarction

　　Due to declining bodily functions and increased cardiac load, elderly individuals are at higher risk of myocardial infarction. During an acute episode of myocardial infarction, necrosis of myocardial cells damages heart function and reduces the heart's pumping capacity, leading to symptoms such as chest tightness, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Medications such as enteric-coated Aspirin Tablets or Sotalol Hydrochloride Tablets may be taken under medical guidance.

　　In addition to the common causes listed above, other possible causes include atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, and cerebral thrombosis. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention to avoid delaying treatment.