Breathless after climbing stairs? Cardiologist warns it could be more than poor fitness; here's when it is arrhythmia

Unexplained breathlessness after climbing stairs could indicate a serious condition needing prompt assessment and treatment, according to an expert.

Do you feel breathless after climbing stairs? Climbing stairs can leave anyone temporarily short of breath. Sometimes, it may just be simple fatigue after rigorous exercise or even a lack of fitness. However, according to (Col) Dr Monik Mehta, consultant – cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, in some cases, it may signal an arrhythmia.

Dr Mehta explained that breathlessness that occurs after minimal exertion, is disproportionate to the activity, or is accompanied by dizziness, palpitations, or chest discomfort should not automatically be attributed to poor fitness. It can sometimes indicate an underlying cardiac condition, including an arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm.

Symptoms that should not be ignored

Arrhythmias can affect how efficiently the heart pumps blood, Dr Mehta stressed. “When the heartbeat is excessively slow, fast or irregular, the heart may not deliver enough blood and oxygen to the body during activity. Depending on the type and severity, patients may experience different symptoms,” he added.

Breathlessness that occurs after minimal exertion can be troublesome. (Picture credit : Gemini AI)

The cardiologist also highlighted certain symptoms one should look out for, like:

• Breathlessness
• Palpitations
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Chest discomfort
• Reduced exercise tolerance

The cardiologist highlighted, “A particularly important condition is heart block, in which electrical signals between the upper and lower chambers of the heart are delayed or interrupted. Some forms can cause a significantly slow heart rate and require prompt medical assessment.”

Diagnosis and treatment

According to Dr Mehta, early diagnosis is critical for preventing complications. He recommends tests such as an ECG, Holter monitoring, echocardiography, stress testing, or blood investigations to identify the underlying cause.

Meanwhile, treatment, the cardiologist stressed, depends on the specific rhythm disorder and its severity. He explained, “While some patients benefit from medications that help control heart rate and rhythm, others may require advanced interventions.”

“Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure commonly used to treat atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias by eliminating abnormal electrical pathways within the heart. Patients with heart block may require permanent pacemaker implantation to restore a normal heartbeat,” Dr Mehta added.

In patients with significant valve disease, valve repair or valve replacement surgery can correct abnormal blood flow.

Other measures

Explaining why, while medications and rhythm-control procedures remain the cornerstone of arrhythmia management, some patients may require treatment for underlying structural heart disease, Dr Mehta said, “Angioplasty and stenting help restore blood flow in blocked coronary arteries by opening the narrowed vessel and placing a stent to keep it patent.”

For more extensive blockages, Dr Mehta recommends bypass surgery (CABG), which creates an alternate pathway for blood to reach the heart muscle, improving oxygen supply to the heart.

“In patients with significant valve disease, valve repair or valve replacement surgery can correct abnormal blood flow through the heart and relieve strain on the cardiac chambers,” he added.

Lastly, the cardiologist stressed that it is a heart-healthy lifestyle that can reduce cardiovascular risk, including:

• regular physical activity appropriate to one's condition
• a balanced diet
• adequate sleep
• avoidance of tobacco
• moderation of alcohol

“Most importantly, persistent or unexplained breathlessness should not be dismissed as poor fitness. Early evaluation can help identify an arrhythmia or another underlying heart condition before symptoms become more serious,” he added.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.