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.
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.
The cardiologist also highlighted certain symptoms one should look out for, like:
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.”
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.
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:
“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.
Krishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.Read More
