Dyspnea is the main symptom perceived by patients affected by chronic respiratory diseases. It derives from a complex interaction of signals arising in the central nervous system, which is connected through afferent pathway receptors to the peripheral respiratory system (airways, lung, and thorax). Notwithstanding the mechanism that generates the stimulus is always the same, the sensation of dy...

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to characterize the outcome of patients referred for exercise echocardiographic evaluation of dyspnea. BACKGROUND Little information exists regarding outcome of patients with dyspnea. METHODS We identified 443 patients with unexplained dyspnea, 2,033 with chest pain, and 587 with both symptoms referred for exercise echocardiography. RESULTS Compare...