Symptom 11: Persistent Cough: An Unexpected Warning Sign
A persistent cough or wheezing can be a less obvious sign of a heart attack. A heart that’s not able to pump efficiently can result in fluid accumulation in the lungs. As the body struggles to deal with this excess fluid, it can trigger a persistent cough or a wheezing sound when you breathe.
This cough can be continuous and may produce pink or white mucus that’s sometimes tinged with blood. It’s a type of cough that doesn’t seem to be caused by a cold or a respiratory infection, and it doesn’t improve over time.
While a cough is a common symptom for many conditions, its persistent nature, especially when accompanied by other symptoms of heart disease, can be a sign of an underlying heart condition. It’s essential not to dismiss a persistent cough that can’t be explained by other factors. (11)