Cardiac cough: signs and how it differs from an ordinary cough

A cough can be a symptom of heart failure: in this condition fluid is retained in the body and accumulates in the lungs. Let's look at how to recognize a cough from the heart and what to pay attention to.

Does cardiac cough exist

Yes, cough is among the symptoms of heart failure — a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood in a way that meets the body's needs. This does not mean that the heart has stopped or is about to stop, but without sufficient blood flow the organs function worse. Failure can affect one or both halves of the heart, and left-sided occurs more often than right-sided. More than 25 million people worldwide live with this syndrome.

Why the heart can cause a cough

When blood passes through the heart too slowly, it stagnates in the vessels that return it to the heart, and fluid leaks from the vessels into the tissues — this is how swelling and other manifestations appear. When the left chambers are affected, congestion occurs in the pulmonary circulation, that is, in the lungs. Fluid in and around the lungs impairs breathing, and cough is among the symptoms.

Signs of cardiac cough

In heart failure there can be a cough at night and pink frothy sputum. With congestion in the lungs, a periodic dry cough and hemoptysis are described, as well as shortness of breath when lying down. On auscultation the doctor may detect soft moist rales in the lower parts of the lungs.

How cardiac cough differs from a cold and a pulmonary cough

Colds and lung diseases also cause cough, and the cause cannot be determined by ear — examinations are needed. A cough at night together with shortness of breath, including when lying down, and swelling is a reason to think about the heart. Pulmonary causes intertwine with cardiac ones: severe lung diseases, such as COPD, can lead to heart failure.

Cough in heart failure: what symptoms accompany it

Cough here is rarely the only symptom. Usually there are several other signs nearby:

• shortness of breath during ordinary activities or in a lying position;
• weakness, fatigue even after rest, dizziness;
• swelling of the feet, lower legs, legs or abdomen, a feeling of bloating;
• sudden weight gain due to fluid;
• night cough and pink frothy sputum.

Shortness of breath in a lying position, pink frothy sputum and rapid weight gain are especially alarming: with them an urgent medical examination is needed.

How the cause of cough is determined and when to see a doctor

The doctor asks about symptoms and family history, examines, and then suggests examinations: blood and urine tests, including a test for brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), an electrocardiogram, a chest X-ray, an echocardiogram and MRI, as well as a check of the lungs — peak flowmetry and spirometry. Some tests are done in hospital; if heart failure is suspected, the patient is referred to a cardiologist.

If a cough occurs at night together with shortness of breath and swelling — make an appointment. The risk of heart failure is higher in people aged 65 and older, with excess weight, smoking, a large amount of alcohol, cocaine use, during pregnancy, as well as with high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, valve defects, cardiomyopathy, rhythm disorders, kidney diseases, anemia and thyroid diseases.

A cough by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 if the person is breathing heavily: gasping for air, unable to say words; if the lips or skin have become pale, blue or gray; if the person has lost consciousness and does not respond normally.

The material is for reference: it helps to notice the picture, but does not replace a doctor's consultation, who will determine the cause of the cough at the appointment.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer