Understanding Persistent Shortness of Breath & Chest Pressure: Causes & When to Seek Help

Some causes of chest pain and shortness of breath result in nothing more than discomfort and inconvenience. However, other causes may indicate a serious or even life-threatening situation (Reference 1).

Heart Attack Warning Signs

• Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath can indicate the onset of a heart attack. The chest pain will be an uncomfortable pressure, usually lasting more than several minutes, and may also go away and come back. Shortness of breath with or without chest pressure can be signs of a heart attack.

Angina

• Angina is a type of heart-related chest pain that occurs when the heart is not getting enough oxygen. This can be a symptom of coronary artery disease. Angina itself is not a heart attack, but it is a condition that signals an increased risk for having one.

Asthma

• Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways, and causes wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing.

Muscle Strain

• Muscle stain in the torso can cause a sensation of chest pain and discomfort when breathing, leading to shortness of breath.

Pneumonia

• Pneumonia can cause a sharp chest pain that feels worse when you take a deep breath.

Digestive Problems

• Chest pain can occur with digestive problems such as heartburn, intestinal gas or stomach ulcers.