3. Persistent Cough or Wheezing: The Hidden Clues of Heart Distress
Next in line on the symptom checker for chronic systolic heart failure is a persistent cough or wheezing. These symptoms may seem unrelated to the heart, commonly associated with respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis. Yet, in the context of heart failure, a consistent cough or wheezing can be a subtle sign of the heart’s dwindling ability to keep up with the body’s demands.
A persistent cough in chronic systolic heart failure is primarily caused by fluid accumulation in the lungs, medically termed pulmonary congestion. This congestion occurs when the heart, struggling with its pumping action, leads to an overflow of blood into the lungs. This overflow can cause fluid to leak into the lung tissues, leading to irritation and triggering a persistent cough.
The cough associated with heart failure may produce a white or pink mucus, which is essentially fluid that contains blood. This symptom, known as hemoptysis, is a severe sign warranting immediate medical attention.
A cough may also be accompanied by wheezing, a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing. Wheezing results from the narrowed or obstructed airways due to fluid build-up, reflecting the severity of fluid congestion in the lungs.
It’s important to understand that this symptom may not always appear in isolation. It can often coincide with other symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and rapid weight gain. So, a persistent cough or wheezing, particularly when coupled with other signs of heart failure, should be considered a red flag demanding prompt medical consultation. (3)
