Shortness of breath--we often just blame it on being out of shape.

Cardiologist Brian Hanlon says that "I think it is very reasonable if someone is describing shortness of breath, to obtain an echocardiogram just to see if there's any structural abnormalities within the heart."

Gayle Davis says that "an echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart where we can actually image the entire heart. It's a non-invasive procedure some type of symptoms will have to provoke the diagnosis."

Dr. Hanlon explains that a rare type of heart tumor called an atrial myxoma could be causing your symptoms. "It's a unique tumor that is benign that grows 75% in the left atrium."

Although the tumor is benign it can still pose a serious health risk. Dr. Hanlon says that "pieces of the tumor may break off and embolize to the rest of the body and cause a stroke, may block other vital blood vessels which include blood vessels to the heart, which could cause a myocardial infarction, and other areas including the kidneys."

Dr. Hanlon also says that if you or someone in your family has this condition, its important to speak with your physician right away. That's because typically the tumor is only diagnosed after the symptoms appear, and those symptoms can be fatigue, shortness of breath and fever. "10% is familial, so you would recommend that other family members obtain an echocardiogram to evaluate for it if you did identify it in someone."

Effective treatment for an atrial myxoma is for it to be surgically removed. Some patients may also need to have their mitral valve replaced.

This type of tumor is the most common cardiac tumor, especially in women. Approximately 75% of the cases occur in females.