Symptom 9: Persistent Cough or Wheezing
Yet another symptom that can occur in individuals with ischemic cardiomyopathy is a persistent cough or wheezing. This symptom is often related to fluid build-up or congestion in the lungs, a common occurrence in heart conditions.
When the heart can’t pump efficiently, blood can back up in the veins that carry blood from the lungs to the heart. As a result, fluid can leak into the lungs, causing congestion. This can lead to a persistent cough or wheezing, and in some cases, the cough may produce pink, frothy mucus.
While a cough or wheezing can occur due to many reasons, when coupled with other symptoms of ischemic cardiomyopathy, it should be considered as a potential signal of worsening heart function. It’s important not to dismiss this symptom, especially if it’s accompanied by shortness of breath or chest discomfort. (9)
