You may run out of breath once in a while. In one study of people who had a heart attack, 6 out of 10 said they felt breathless at times.¹ If you feel short of breath, it usually means the left side of your heart is not pumping very well. Though this is called heart failure, it doesn't mean your heart is about to stop or that you are in immediate danger. But it can affect the quality of your life. To learn more, see our article on Heart failure.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.