Symptom 6: Persistent Cough or Wheezing
Patients with diastolic heart failure may also experience persistent coughing or wheezing, symptoms commonly associated with respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis. But here’s the connection: as we’ve mentioned, diastolic heart failure can cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs. This fluid build-up, in turn, may cause a persistent cough or wheezing.
This cough can be dry, or it can produce phlegm. In some cases, the phlegm may be tinged with blood, which should not be overlooked as it indicates a more severe condition. The cough may be more prominent when lying down due to increased pressure in the lungs.
Wheezing, on the other hand, is a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing. It’s a result of narrowed or obstructed airways. In heart failure, wheezing could be due to fluid build-up or congestion in the lungs.
While coughing or wheezing can be symptoms of many different conditions, their presence in conjunction with other symptoms on this list might point towards diastolic heart failure. If you or a loved one has a persistent cough or unexplained wheezing, a visit to the doctor might be in order. (6)
