Symptom 6: Persistent Cough or Wheezing – Not Just a Common Cold
Persistent cough or wheezing can be another symptom indicative of dilated cardiomyopathy. While these are common symptoms associated with respiratory conditions like asthma or a cold, they can also be a result of underlying heart issues, such as dilated cardiomyopathy.
In dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart’s reduced ability to pump can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs—a condition known as pulmonary edema. This fluid accumulation can cause a persistent cough or wheezing. The cough is often worse at night or when lying down and may produce pink, frothy mucus. This mucus is a result of blood mixing with the fluid in the lungs, a sign that immediate medical attention is needed.
Wheezing, a whistling sound made during breathing, is another sign of potential fluid buildup in the lungs. It indicates that the air passages are narrowed or blocked, making breathing difficult. Like the persistent cough, wheezing due to dilated cardiomyopathy can worsen at night or while lying flat. (6)
