Coughing? It may be a heart problem.

A cough is a symptom that is widespread worldwide and can be encountered in various medical specialties. There are numerous causes behind coughing, including respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma, but the role of heart diseases should not be overlooked either. It is important to consider this possibility when diagnosing a cough, as it can be crucial for medical treatment and appropriate therapy.

Coughing, whether in acute or chronic form, can be a significant burden for patients, as it can have not only physical but also psychological effects. In exploring the causes of coughing, we most often turn to specialists such as otolaryngologists or pulmonologists, but heart diseases can also be important factors that should not be ignored. Due to the close relationship between the heart and the respiratory system, diagnosing underlying cardiological problems behind coughing can be key.

Relationship Between Coughing and Heart Diseases

Coughing is not only caused by respiratory diseases but often by heart diseases as well. Cardiac asthma, also known as asthma cardiale, is a condition where breathing difficulties arise not from problems in the airways, but from inadequate heart function. This phenomenon is particularly important, as in advanced stages of heart disease, coughing can become increasingly frequent and may indicate a deterioration in the patient’s condition.

Left heart failure is one of the most common causes of coughing. In this case, bronchospasms or obstructions can develop due to congestion in the small circulation, that is, the pulmonary circulation. The heart has two main circulations: the small circulation delivers blood to the lungs, where it is oxygenated, while the large circulation supplies the rest of the body with oxygen. As a symptom of left heart failure, coughing is often a late phenomenon and is frequently overlooked in the diagnosis of the disease.

Many heart diseases can contribute to the development of coughing, such as ischemic heart diseases, valvular heart diseases, or arrhythmias. These problems can often present with more serious symptoms, but the appearance of coughing may alert that the patient’s condition is deteriorating and that urgent medical intervention is needed.

Differentiating Between Pulmonary Embolism and Bronchitis

Coughing and shortness of breath often occur in acute pulmonary embolism, which results from the blockage of the pulmonary artery. It presents a challenge for doctors to distinguish between pulmonary embolism and acute bronchitis, which shares similar symptoms, as the two conditions have many common features. The transient AV block that occurs due to a disturbance in conduction between the atria and ventricles, triggered by coughing, further complicates the diagnosis.

It is common to experience chronic bronchitis and heart diseases together, which further complicates the situation. The symptom of coughing may intensify as the diseases progress, leading to delays in diagnosis. Therefore, doctors must pay special attention to thoroughly investigating the causes of coughing.

The Effect of Medications on Coughing

Many medications, especially those used to treat cardiovascular diseases, can also trigger coughing. Such medications include ACE inhibitors, which can induce coughing due to their class effects. The active ingredient amiodarone can also cause coughing, as it may manifest as the first signs of changes in lung tissue that may not yet be detectable on an X-ray.

Thus, the appearance of coughing can indicate not only respiratory problems but also cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is extremely important for patients to undergo thorough examinations, and for doctors to identify the underlying causes of coughing as soon as possible. Establishing an accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment, as not every cough is due to asthma or bronchitis.