The first critical breathing pattern involves quick, superficial breaths that fail to fully expand the lungs. This respiratory change often develops months before other heart failure symptoms become ...

Of note, if the patient is bedfast, complete evaluation of respiratory efficiency is often less than optimal because chest expansion is not always symmetric and percussion notes may be less resonant.

Dana Santas, known as the “Mobility Maker,” is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and mind-body coach in professional sports, and is the author of the book “Practical Solutions for Back ...