What is the reason for chest tightness and shortness of breath? Is it related to the heart?

It is very common for older people to experience chest tightness and shortness of breath, which is mainly caused by unstable cardiopulmonary function. If young people show such symptoms, they should pay attention. Heart rate disorder, left heart failure, respiratory diseases, etc. can cause chest tightness and shortness of breath.

1. Arrhythmia: the most common cause. A normal person's heartbeat rhythm is regular and the frequency is suitable for physiological needs. The heart beats slower when resting and faster when exercising; children beat faster and the elderly beat slower. The regular beating of the heart relies on the regular stimulation of weak electrical signals emitted by its special tissue, the "sinoatrial node". If there is a problem with the generation and conduction of this electrical signal, the heartbeat will be too fast, too slow or irregular, which is called arrhythmia.

2. Left heart failure: more common in hypertension, coronary heart disease, valvular heart disease, etc. The precursor symptoms are that the person likes to raise his pillow when sleeping and is often awakened by chest tightness and shortness of breath. Sudden onset of nocturnal dyspnea is a typical symptom of left heart failure.

3. Respiratory diseases: Chronic respiratory diseases usually cause alveolar enlargement, decreased elasticity, and impaired lung function. These diseases are common in chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, etc. They manifest as difficulty breathing, and coughing is aggravated by the slightest activity. Sputum is difficult to cough up, so treatment should be sought early.

4. Pulmonary embolism: It is more common in heart valve disease. If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, and cough, you need to be alert. When coronary artery blood supply is incomplete due to coronary heart disease, the elderly often feel chest tightness, and it is best to have an electrocardiogram in time. Lung cancer, advanced tuberculosis, silicosis, bronchial asthma, etc. all have symptoms of shortness of breath.