I had an echo a year ago because of a murmur and it was ruled benign so I don’t think it’s a valve issue. Also, it’s not really worse with exertion. Thankfully I haven’t been suffering with this for 20 years nonstop — that is just the first time I noticed symptoms. (I was in early 20’s) I’m 41 now. Today it’s really bad again . I keep taking deep gulps of air but it doesn’t satisfy my need for air. My husband and family members think it’s all anxiety . I hope it is but don’t even know how to stop that. I can’t focus on my three kids (one is a baby) and just want to be able to live my life again.