Coughing is usually a natural reflex in the body that helps keep the airways clear. It is mostly harmless and caused by benign conditions. However, in certain cases, when a cough is persistent or chronic, it can signal a serious underlying condition like heart disease. But how do we know if a cough is linked to a cardiac problem or if it is a lung condition? To answer this question, the OnlyMyHealth team spoke to Dr Basavaraj Utagi, Senior Consultant Cardiologist, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, who not only shared warning symptoms but also tests that can confirm the root of the problem.
Also Read: Could Your Cold-Like Symptoms Be Whooping Cough? How To Identify The Latter
How Is Chronic Cough Linked To Heart Problems?
Chronic cough is when your cough lasts for eight weeks or longer. It often signals an underlying condition and can impact daily life and activities.
When it comes to chronic cough associated with heart problems, or a cardiac cough, it's caused by pulmonary congestion or oedema resulting from heart failure, said Dr Utagi. He explained that fluid builds up in the lungs, irritating the airways and triggering a cough. “This type of cough is often worse when lying down and may produce pink, frothy sputum.”
When the heart becomes weak and is unable to pump blood effectively, it can lead to a backup of blood and fluid in the lungs, causing congestion. This congestion irritates the airways and triggers a cough as the body attempts to clear the excess fluid.
How To Identify A Cardiac Cough
The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests that persistent, or chronic, cough is a common symptom of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). It is characterised by white or pink, blood-tinged mucus.
According to Dr Utagi, a cardiac cough is typically accompanied by other heart failure symptoms, such as swelling, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
“The cough may be worse at night or when lying down,” he said, adding that respiratory coughs, on the other hand, are often accompanied by symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing up yellow or green mucus.
Who Is At Risk?
People with pre-existing heart conditions, diabetes, high blood pressure, or Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) are most at risk of cardiac-related cough.
Older adults, obese individuals, and those with a history of heart failure or myocardial infarction are also more susceptible.
Lifestyle factors like smoking, physical inactivity, and a poor diet can further increase the risk.
Also Read: Can A Chronic Cough Be A Sign Of Congestive Heart Failure?
Tests To Confirm Heart Health
Dr Utagi listed a few tests that can help determine if a cough is related to the heart. These include:
- ECG
- Echocardiograms
- Chest X-rays
- BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide) blood tests.
"An echocardiogram assesses heart function, while a chest X-ray evaluates lung congestion. Elevated BNP levels can indicate heart failure. Other tests, such as electrocardiograms and cardiac stress tests, may also be used to diagnose underlying heart conditions," Dr Utagi explained in detail.
Conclusion
A cough that doesn't go away might seem like a minor problem, but in some cases, it could be your heart trying to tell you something. What we often ignore as a harmless cough could actually be linked to heart trouble, especially if it comes with breathlessness, fatigue, or swelling. For people with existing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of heart issues, paying attention to such signs becomes even more important. However, with the right tests and timely treatment, it’s possible to get to the root of the problem and manage it effectively.