6. Persistent Cough – A Symptom of Heart Disease?
While a persistent cough is often associated with respiratory conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia, it can also be a symptom of heart disease. If your heart struggles to keep up with your body’s demands, blood can leak back into the lungs, causing a persistent, often wet cough.
This cough can produce white or pink mucus, a side effect of blood leakage into the lungs. It’s important to note that while a persistent cough is often associated with many health conditions, a cough that produces pink or white mucus, especially if you have other symptoms on this list, could indicate heart disease.
A cough associated with heart disease is often more noticeable when you’re lying down, due to increased pressure in the lungs. It may also be accompanied by wheezing or shortness of breath. If you’ve noticed a persistent, unexplained cough, especially if it’s producing pink or white mucus or is accompanied by other symptoms on this list, consider seeking medical advice.
While a cough can indicate a variety of health conditions, it’s important not to rule out heart disease. Especially if you’re experiencing other symptoms on this list or have risk factors for heart disease, a persistent cough warrants medical investigation. (6)
