Cardiac Cough and Heart Health

Cardiology | by Dr. Sabyasachi Pal | Published on 06/09/2024

Overview

Long-term cough is one of the prominent health issues which usually becomes common in the winter season. Delhi is considered one of the world's most polluted cities, which is slowly becoming the hub of cardiac diseases. Due to the geographical topography, winters bring along pollution and several cardiovascular diseases which can be fatal for the older population. Let us find out how you can know if you have cardiac cough and the different methods to treat the condition. Please note that this blog is only for informational purposes and cannot replace the significance of a cardiology doctor’s consultation. 

What is a Cardiac Cough?

A cardiac cough is a dry, persistent cough that often occurs as a result of heart failure or other heart-related issues. When the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, it can lead to pulmonary congestion—fluid buildup in the lungs. This fluid triggers coughing as the body attempts to clear the congestion. Unlike a cough caused by a respiratory infection, a cardiac cough is typically dry and may worsen when lying down. Recognizing this symptom and understanding its link to heart problems, particularly cough due to heart problems, is vital for early diagnosis and treatment.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Cardiac Cough?

Symptoms of a cardiac cough can vary from mild to severe. It’s often challenging to link a cough to heart disease without a proper medical evaluation. Common symptoms include:

• Wet cough with pink-tinged mucus due to blood.
• Wheezing or a whistling sound during breathing.
• Shortness of breath, especially during minimal activities or while lying down.
• Frequent waking due to coughing or breathing difficulties.
• A bubbling sensation in the chest caused by fluid buildup.
• A persistent dry cough that worsens over time.

These symptoms are crucial indicators that the cough may be related to heart disease, especially in heart patients experiencing a cough.

What Are the Causes of a Cardiac Cough?

Cardiac cough is primarily caused by heart failure, which leads to fluid accumulation in the lungs. This condition is often mistaken for respiratory issues but is directly linked to the heart's inability to function effectively. Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors, can also cause a dry cough, further complicating the condition. Understanding the causes and recognizing the symptoms can help in distinguishing between a cough due to heart problems and other types of coughs.

How Is Cardiac Cough Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of a cardiac cough involves a thorough medical evaluation, considering the patient's history and symptoms. The process includes:

• Medical History: Evaluating the onset, severity, and associated symptoms like shortness of breath.
• Physical Examination: Checking for lung sounds indicating fluid buildup.
• Chest X-ray: Identifying an enlarged heart or fluid in the lungs.
• Echocardiogram: Assessing heart function and detecting abnormalities.
• Blood Tests: Measuring BNP levels, which indicate heart failure.
• Electrocardiogram(ECG): Evaluating the heart's electrical activity and rhythm.

What Are The Treatment Options For a Cardiac Cough?

Treatment for a cardiac cough typically focuses on addressing the underlying heart condition. After a comprehensive diagnosis, a doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and medications to manage heart failure and alleviate symptoms. Common treatments include:

• Heart-healthy diet and weight management.
• Medications: Beta-blockers, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and other heart failure treatments.
• Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and engaging in moderate exercise.

In some cases, treating the heart condition can lead to significant improvement in the cough. For cough-in-heart patients, understanding the treatment options and following the doctor's recommendations is essential for recovery.

Conclusion

A cough is often mistaken for a lung disease when it can be triggered due to a heart condition. Some people with a history of asthma may also encounter frequent coughs which is a result of inflammation of the airways. However, asthma has nothing to do with the build-up of fluid in the lungs. It is essential to distinguish the condition that causes cough to choose the best course of action. Treatment for heart failure is different and can help improve cardiac cough symptoms. You must discuss your condition with the cardiologist for a comprehensive diagnosis and timely treatment.

FAQs

What are the side effects of a cardiac cough?

• Dyspnea
• Wheezing
• Confusion and impaired thinking
• CHF

Why do heart patients cough at night?

A weak heart causes fluid to back up in air sacs in the lungs. This causes shortness of breath and makes it difficult for the patient to breathe while resting or lying flat in bed. Furthermore, lung congestion can also cause a dry, hacking cough or wheezing.

Whom should I consult for my cardiac cough treatment?

Get in touch with the pulmonologist or a cardiologist in case you are experiencing cardiac cough. A cardiologist specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the heart. Since most patients who suffer from a cardiac cough are aged, consulting a cardiologist who can treat patients with comorbidities effectively is usually preferred. 

Can heart problems cause coughing?

Yes, heart problems, particularly heart failure, can lead to a dry, persistent cough due to pulmonary congestion, where fluid builds up in the lungs.

Is coughing a sign of a heart attack?

Coughing is not a typical sign of a heart attack but can occur if heart failure causes fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Is cough related to heart problems?

Yes, a dry, persistent cough may be related to heart problems, especially in cases of heart failure where fluid builds up in the lungs.

Can heart problems cause a cough?

Yes, heart issues like heart failure can cause a cough, usually dry, due to fluid congestion in the lungs.