Interesting stuff. Just out of curiousity, how would you describe "shortness of breath" as related to a possible cardiac event V.S. "out of breath" as related to overweight and out of shape, or even someone who is reasonably fit and just ran a mile, and has to "catch their breath"? I've experienced both. The first from a pericardial effusion, which was sucessfully treated, and the latter from time to time from physical exertion beyond the limit we are normally used to.
What words would medical professionals use to describe the difference between the two? (And yes, I do have a reason for asking).
Shortness of breath means that you simply cannot get enough air to satisfy your body's craving for it. It stems from the injured heart muscle's lack of oxygen. It's different from simply being "winded" in that with being out of breath due to exertion, your need is gradually overcome by simply resting. With a heart attack, that doesn't happen. It literally can feel like it is impossible to get enough air.
Are you a reasonably fit female?
Out of breath on mild exertion, with no other symptoms at all and a fairly quick recovery, can be a sign of closing of a coronary artery in women.
It's a trivial appearing symptom and one of the reasons so many women have fatal attacks. The wait for pain or nausea that never comes.