A “heart cough,” also known as a cardiac cough, arises from an underlying heart condition rather than a respiratory infection. Recognizing its distinct characteristics is important, as it often signals a need for medical attention.
Distinctive Features of a Heart Cough
A heart cough can be persistent, sounding dry or hacking, or wet and productive, sometimes with crackling or rattling sounds. Wheezing, a whistling noise during breathing, may also occur. This cough often worsens when lying down, disrupting sleep, or during physical activity.
Other symptoms commonly accompany a cardiac cough due to fluid imbalances. Shortness of breath is frequent, especially when exerting oneself or reclined. Individuals might also experience persistent fatigue. Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet can also occur.
Pink or frothy sputum with the cough is a notable sign, indicating fluid and possibly blood in the lungs. This often arises from fluid accumulating in the lungs, which the body attempts to clear, resulting in the cough.
Heart Conditions Linked to Cough
A cough originating from the heart occurs when the heart’s pumping efficiency is reduced. When the heart cannot effectively circulate blood, fluid can accumulate in various parts of the body, including the lungs. This buildup, known as pulmonary edema or lung congestion, irritates the airways and triggers a cough as the body tries to clear the fluid.
Congestive heart failure is a common heart condition associated with a cardiac cough. In this condition, the heart muscle becomes weakened or stiff, impairing its ability to pump blood adequately. This leads to blood backing up in the veins that carry blood from the lungs to the heart, causing fluid to leak into the lung’s air sacs.
Certain valve issues, such as problems with the mitral valve, can also cause a cough. If the mitral valve does not close properly (mitral regurgitation) or becomes narrowed (mitral stenosis), blood flow through the heart can be disrupted. This can result in fluid building up in the lungs, leading to a persistent cough.
Importance of Medical Evaluation
A persistent cough, especially when accompanied by the described characteristics and other symptoms, warrants prompt medical evaluation. These symptoms can be signs of an underlying heart condition that requires professional diagnosis and management. A healthcare professional can conduct tests to determine the precise cause of the cough and associated symptoms.
Seeking timely medical advice is important for proper diagnosis and to initiate appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help manage the condition, alleviate symptoms, and prevent further complications.