Cardiac cough in women and men

A cardiac cough, or cardiogenic cough, is a cough that is a symptom of a heart problem or heart failure. This type of cough is usually associated with circulatory problems in the lungs, which can occur because the heart is not working efficiently.

Causes of the hearty cough

Cardiac cough, or heart-related cough, is usually associated with heart dysfunction and can be caused by a variety of conditions and factors. Here are some of the main causes of heart cough:

1. Heart failure: This is a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood efficiently through the body. Coughing can be one of the symptoms of heart failure, especially when fluid begins to build up in the lungs, causing pulmonary edema. Coughing in heart failure may get worse at night or when lying down.
2. Pulmonary edema: Pulmonary edema occurs when fluid begins to build up in the lungs. This condition can be caused by heart problems such as heart failure, as well as other factors including high blood pressure and heart valve disease.
3. Arrhythmias: Some heart arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, may cause coughing or chest pressure.
4. Inflammation: Inflammation in the heart area, such as pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardial membrane), may be accompanied by coughing.
5. Infections: Sometimes upper respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, can cause a cough, and this cough may be more intense in people with heart problems.
6. Aortic disease: Aortic dilation (the aorta is the main artery leaving the heart) or defects in the aorta can cause coughing due to pressure on surrounding tissues and bronchi.
7. Pulmonary embolism: Embolism (blockage) of the pulmonary artery by a blood clot can cause severe shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of cardiac cough is associated with dysfunction of the heart and lungs. It most often develops in heart failure, when the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently and maintain adequate blood circulation in the body. Here are the main mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of cardiac cough:

1. Congestive heart failure: A hearty cough often accompanies congestive heart failure (CHF), which is characterized by the heart not being able to pump blood efficiently. This leads to blood retention in the lungs and pulmonary edema, which causes irritation of the bronchi and airways. Coughing occurs as the body's attempt to get rid of excess fluid in the lungs.
2. Pulmonary edema: Stagnant fluid in the lungs caused by CH can lead to pulmonary edema. This edema reduces the effective surface area for gas exchange and decreases the lungs' ability to conduct oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide. This can cause impaired breathing and coughing.
3. Changes in pressure in the pulmonary circulation: In CH, there can be increased pressure in the pulmonary artery due to improper left ventricular function. This can lead to increased workload on the right heart and decreased blood flow to the lungs. Increased pulmonary artery pressure can also cause coughing.
4. Irritation of bronchial receptors: Increased pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary edema can irritate receptors in the bronchial trees, which can cause a reflex cough.
5. Cardiac arrhythmias: Some cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, can reduce the efficiency of heartbeats and affect blood flow to the lungs. It may also contribute to the development of cardiac cough.

Symptoms of the hearty cough

The symptoms of heart cough can vary depending on the individual patient and the underlying cause of the heart problems. However, the following symptoms are commonly seen in people suffering from heart cough:

1. Cough: The main symptom is coughing. This can be either a dry cough or a wet cough. A wet cough is often accompanied by frothy or pink sputum. Frothy sputum can be a sign of poor circulation in the lungs.
2. Shortness of breath: Patients with heart cough may experience rapid and heavy breathing, especially with physical activity or exertion. Breathlessness may also increase when lying down.
3. Shortness ofbreath: Shortness of breath may occur when lying down and worsen at night. This condition, called "orthopnea breathing", is due to poor circulation and congestion of blood in the lungs when lying flat.
4. Worsening at night: Cardiac cough oftenworsens at night when the patient goes to bed. This can lead to awakening due to coughing and shortness of breath, which can disrupt sleep.
5. Edema: Patients with cardiac cough may experience edema, especially in the lower extremities (e.g., lower leg and ankle edema). Edema is associated with fluid retention in the tissues due to circulatory disturbances.
6. Weakness and fatigue: Heart problems can cause general weakness and fatigue, which can be worsened if heart cough is present.

It is important to note that the symptoms of heart cough can be similar to those of other conditions, so it is important to consult a doctor for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Heart cough can be a sign of serious heart problems, and its diagnosis and treatment requires medical intervention.

What is the difference between a hearty cough and a regular cough?

A hearty cough and a cough caused by common respiratory infections or other respiratory problems have several differences that can help distinguish them. Here are key characteristics that can help distinguish a hearty cough from a regular cough:

Cardiac cough:

1. Origin: Cardiac cough is caused by problems with the heart and circulation. It is usually associated with heart failure or other heart conditions.
2. Sputum: Cardiac cough may be accompanied by frothy or pink sputum. Frothy sputum is associated with fluid retention in the lungs due to circulatory problems.
3. Heart Failure Symptoms: Patients with heart cough may also experience heart failure symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling, fatigue, and rapid heartbeat.
4. Deterioration at night: Cardiac cough oftenworsens at night when the patient goes to bed. This can disrupt sleep and lead to anxiety.

Common cough (respiratory cough):

1. Origins: A common cough is usually caused by respiratory infections such as influenza, acute respiratory viral infections, bronchitis or pneumonia, or by allergic reactions.
2. Sputum: In the case of a normal cough, sputum is usually thick and may contain mucus or pus.
3. Symptoms of infection or allergy: A normal cough is often accompanied by other symptoms characteristic of respiratory infections or allergies, such as runny nose, sore throat, headache, and burning in the chest.
4. Not heart-related: A normal cough is not usually associated with heart disease and is not accompanied by symptoms of heart failure.

It is important to realize that these differences can help you determine the nature of your cough, but it is always best to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and to determine the cause. If you have any doubts or concerns about your condition, your doctor will be able to carry out an appropriate examination and make recommendations for treatment.

Cardiac cough in the elderly

May be associated with various heart diseases and conditions such as heart failure, valve defects, arrhythmias, and others. This type of cough is often called "heart cough" or "heart failure cough". It usually presents with the following signs and characteristics:

1. Cough that gets worse at night or when lying down: Patients may notice that their cough gets worse at night or when lying down. This is because lying down increases the workload on the heart and makes it less efficient at removing excess fluid from the lungs.
2. Mucous-fluid wet cough: Cardiac cough is more often accompanied by mucus and fluid secretion, as it is associated with blood stasis in the lungs and increased pressure in the capillaries of the pulmonary system.
3. Shortness of breath: Patients may also experience shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or at night. This is due to the heart not being able to provide the body with enough oxygen due to its reduced efficiency.
4. Swelling: Heart failure can cause swelling in the lower extremities as well as swelling of the lungs, which can also contribute to coughing.

Diagnosis and treatment of cardiac cough in elderly patients requires extensive evaluation including ECG, cardiac ultrasound, blood tests for biomarkers of heart failure and other necessary investigations. Treatment is usually aimed at managing the underlying heart disease, optimizing treatment including medication, diet and exercise management. Controlling fluid and salt levels in the body can also be an important part of treatment. It is important to consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and to prescribe the best treatment.

Cardiac cough in a child

This is a cough caused by heart problems or heart failure. Although these are extremely rare in children, they can still occur. Here are some signs and characteristics:

1. Cough that increases with physical activity: A child may have a cough with exercise or activity because the heart cannot provide adequate blood supply to organs and tissues with increased activity.
2. Coughing at night: Coughing may get worse at night or while sleeping, as the heart is more stressed in the horizontal position and this can worsen heart symptoms.
3. Mucous-fluid wet cough: Similar to adults, a hearty cough in children is often accompanied by mucus and fluid production due to blood stasis in the lungs.
4. Shortness of breath: Your child may experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially with physical activity.
5. Chest pain or discomfort: Some children may complain of chest pain or discomfort due to heart problems.

Heart cough in children requires serious attention and examination by doctors. If you suspect heart problems in your child, see your doctor for a more detailed examination and diagnosis. The exact diagnosis and treatment may vary depending on the cause of the heart problem and the child's condition.

Stages

Heart cough does not have clear stages like some other conditions. It is a symptom that can occur with varying degrees of heart failure or other heart problems. However, it is possible to identify a few basic characteristics that may indicate a heart cough, depending on the severity of the condition:

1. Initial stage: In the initial stage of heart failure and associated cardiac cough, symptoms may be mild. The patient may experience occasional coughing, especially with exercise or at night. Breathing may be labored, but the overall condition is not yet severely affected.
2. Worseningsymptoms: As heart failure worsens and fluid retention in the lungs increases, symptoms of heart cough may worsen. The cough may become more frequent and intense. Swelling (redness) and shortness of breath may get worse, especially with physical activity.
3. Serious complications: In more advanced cases of heart failure and heart cough, serious complications can develop. Swelling can affect not only the lungs but also other organs and tissues such as the legs and abdomen. The cough may become continuous and greatly interfere with the patient's normal life. In this case, more intensive treatment and monitoring is required.

Forms

Heart cough can take many forms and manifestations, depending on the underlying heart condition and the individual patient's personality. Here are some of the forms that heart cough can take:

1. Moist cough with frothy sputum: This is one of the most characteristic forms of cardiac cough. Patients may experience increased coughing with production of frothy sputum. The frothy sputum may be white or pink and is associated with fluid retention in the lungs due to circulatory problems.
2. Dry cough: Some patients may have a dry, soilless cough that may also be associated with heart problems. Dry cough may be a less characteristic symptom, but it may worsen as the heart condition worsens.
3. Coughing that gets worse with physical activity: Some people may notice that their cough becomes more intense and their breathing difficulties get worse with exercise or increased activity. This may be due to decreased circulation during physical activity.
4. Night cough: A hearty cough often gets worse at night, especially when lying down. This can lead to restlessness and disturbed sleep.
5. Orthopnea: The worsening of cough and shortness of breath when lying down, which improves when sitting up, is called orthopnea breathing. It is due to the congestion of blood in the lungs when lying in a horizontal position.
6. Additional Symptoms: In addition to coughing, patients with cardiac cough may experience other symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, weakness, fatigue, swelling, and chest pain.

Complications and consequences

A heart-related cough can be a sign of serious conditions, and its complications can be serious. The following are some of the potential complications that can occur with a heart-related cough:

1. Pulmonary edema: One of the most serious complications of heart cough is pulmonary edema, which occurs when fluid begins to build up in the lungs. This can lead to poor breathing, choking, and decreased oxygen saturation in the blood, which can be life-threatening.
2. Worsening heart failure: Heart cough can be one of the symptoms of heart failure, and its inadequate management can lead to progression of heart failure and worsening of heart condition.
3. Aortic dilation: If coughing is caused by pressure on the aorta or aortic dilation (aortopathy), it can worsen the aorta and increase the risk of aortic rupture, which is a critically dangerous condition.
4. Inflammatory complications: If the cough is caused by inflammatory processes such as pericarditis, complications can include inflammation of the heart membranes and other heart problems.
5. Pulmonary embolism: In some cases, a hearty cough may be associated with an embolism (blockage) of the pulmonary artery by a blood clot, which can cause severe shortness of breath and require immediate medical attention.
6. Complications of Treatment: Treatment for heart cough may involve medications, and complications may be related to the side effects of these medications or their interactions with other medications.

Diagnostics of the hearty cough

Diagnosing a cardiac cough involves a number of medical procedures and tests to identify the cause of the cough and evaluate the condition of the heart and lungs. The following are the main methods for diagnosing a hearty cough:

1. Physicalexamination and history: The doctor will interview the patient to find out the nature of the cough, how long it lasts, whether it is related to physical activity or nighttime, and whether there are other symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling, and chest pain. This information may help identify the suspected cause of the cough.
2. Physical Exam: The doctor performs a general examination of the patient, including auscultation (listening) of the lungs and heart. He or she looks for signs of swelling, shortness of breath, dry or wet wheezing in the lungs, and abnormal heart sounds.
3. Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG assesses the electrical activity of the heart and detects abnormalities in rhythm and conduction that may be associated with cardiac cough.
4. Chest X-ray: X -rays can be used to evaluate the lungs and heart. It may show signs of lung stasis and heart enlargement, which may be associated with heart cough.
5. Echocardiography: Echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound) allows you to visualize the structure and function of the heart. It can help detect the presence of valve defects, enlargement of the heart's ventricles, and other abnormalities that may be associated with heart failure.
6. Laboratory tests: Bloodtests may be performed to measure levels of biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), which may be elevated in heart failure.
7. Additional tests: In some cases, more specialized tests such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the chest and heart may be needed to get a more detailed picture of the organs.

Diagnosis of cardiac cough should definitely be made by a physician, as it involves evaluation of cardiac function and requires specialized techniques. Based on the diagnostic results, the cause of the cough will be determined and a treatment plan will be developed, which may include medication, diet, exercise and other measures depending on the diagnosis.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis of cardiac cough involves the process of ruling out other possible causes of cough and identifying the underlying heart condition that may be causing the symptoms. This is an important step for proper diagnosis and prescribing appropriate treatment. Here are a few conditions and diseases that may also present with cough and require differential diagnosis:

1. Respiratory infections: Infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract, such as influenza, acute respiratory infections, bronchitis, or pneumonia, can cause coughing. It is important to rule out infectious causes of coughing.
2. Asthma: Asthmatic cough may present with either a dry or wet cough, accompanied by dyspnea and bronchial spasms. Asthma should be identified or excluded in the differential diagnosis.
3. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): COPD can cause a chronic cough that worsens over time and is accompanied by shortness of breath. This condition should be ruled out.
4. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD can cause reflux cough, in which acid from the stomach rises into the esophagus and irritates the throat. It can also be a cause of coughing.
5. Allergies and Allergic Cough: Reactions to allergens such as pollen, house pollen, or pets can cause coughing.
6. Medications: Some medications, including ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, may cause coughing in some patients.
7. Lungdisease: Lung diseases such as sarcoidosis, pulmonary fibrosis, or certain types of lung cancer can cause coughing.
8. Intrathoracic disease: Some heart conditions, such as cardiomyopathies, can cause a cough that may be mistakenly attributed to respiratory problems at first.

In order to make a differential diagnosis and identify the cause of the cough, it is important to perform a complete medical examination and consult with a physician. This may include laboratory and instrumental tests such as lung x-rays, bronchoscopy, computed tomography (CT) scan, ECG and other methods. Based on the diagnostic results, the doctor will be able to determine the best way to treat and manage the underlying condition causing the cough.

Treatment of the hearty cough

Treatment for heart cough depends on its underlying cause, which is most often related to heart problems such as heart failure or pulmonary edema. Here are common treatment approaches:

1. Treatment of an underlying heart condition: The main goal of heart cough treatment is to treat or manage the underlying heart disease or condition that is causing the cough. This may include treating heart failure, arrhythmias, hypertension, or other heart problems.
2. Diuretics: Your doctor may prescribe diuretics (diuretic medicines) to help your body get rid of excess fluid that can build up in your lungs and cause coughing. Diuretics can be an important part of managing pulmonary edema.
3. Heart medications: Depending on your specific situation, your doctor may prescribe medications to improve heart function, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), beta-blockers, aldosterone antagonists, and others.
4. Arrhythmia control: If the heart cough is associated with an arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), your doctor may consider prescribing antiarrhythmic drugs or performing procedures to restore normal heart rhythm.
5. Oxygen therapy: In cases where blood oxygen levels are reduced due to pulmonary edema, oxygen therapy may be required. Patients may be given oxygen using oxygen masks or oxygen concentrators.
6. Lifestyle changes: It is important to follow your doctor's recommendations for lifestyle changes, including controlling salt intake, following a low-sodium diet, physical activity, and smoking cessation.

Treatment for heartworm cough should be individualized and tailored to each patient's specific situation. It is important to discuss with your doctor the best treatment plan that takes into account the specifics of your condition and medical history. Regular follow-up and adherence to your doctor's recommendations will help manage heart problems and reduce the risk of complications.

What to do for a hearty cough?

Heart cough is often a symptom of heart failure or other heart problems. If you have a heart cough or suspect heart problems, you should see your doctor or go to the nearest medical facility right away. Here is what you can do for a heart cough:

1. Seek medical attention: See a medical professional right away to evaluate your condition and diagnose possible heart problems. A hearty cough can be a sign of serious conditions such as heart failure or pulmonary edema.
2. Follow the treatment plan: If you have been diagnosed with heart failure or another heart condition, be sure to follow the treatment plan your doctor suggests. This may include taking medications, making lifestyle changes, and seeing your doctor regularly.
3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: It is important to follow your doctor's recommendations for lifestyle changes. This may include limiting salt in your food, following a diet, being physically active, and stopping smoking.
4. Take care of your weight: Monitor your weight regularly and inform your doctor of any changes. Weight monitoring can help determine if there is swelling associated with heart failure.
5. Monitor your symptoms: Monitor your symptoms closely and report any changes to your doctor. If you have additional symptoms, such as worsening shortness of breath, increased coughing, or swelling, tell your health care provider right away.
6. Follow your medication: If you have been prescribed medication, make sure you take it as directed by your doctor and do not skip doses.
7. Be prepared for medical emergencies: If your condition worsens or you experience urgent symptoms such as feeling very short of breath or chest pain, call for emergency medical help immediately.

Heart cough medicine

The treatment of heart cough is directly related to the treatment of the underlying heart disease or condition that causes it, such as heart failure, arrhythmia, valve defect, etc. Medications that can be used in the treatment of heart cough include the following groups:

1. Diuretics: Diuretics, such as furosemide or hydrochlorthiazide, may be prescribed to reduce swelling and excess fluid in the body, which helps reduce the strain on the heart and lungs.
2. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs): Drugs in this group, such as enalapril and lisinopril, help reduce the workload of the heart and improve heart muscle function.
3. Beta-adrenoblockers: These drugs, such as metoprolol and carvedilol, can help lower your heart rate and relieve stress on your heart.
4. Bloodpressure-lowering medications: If high blood pressure contributes to heart cough, medications to lower it, such as calcium antagonists or other antihypertensive drugs, may be prescribed.
5. Antiarrhythmic drugs: If arrhythmias contribute to coughing, antiarrhythmic drugs may be used to normalize the heart rhythm.
6. Heart muscle strengthening medications: Some medications, such as neural peptide inhibitors (e.g., sacubitril/valsartan), can help strengthen the heart muscle and improve its function.

Treatment of cardiac cough with folk remedies

Heart cough is caused by serious heart problems and its treatment requires medical intervention and monitoring. Folk remedies may be useful in addition to basic medical treatment and with the following precautions:

1. Follow your doctor's recommendations: Before using folk remedies, always consult your doctor to determine if they are appropriate for your condition. Heart problems require medical supervision and self-medication can be dangerous.
2. Control salt and fluid: Follow recommendations to limit salt in your diet, as excess salt can worsen swelling and heart cough symptoms. It is also important to monitor fluid intake as recommended by your doctor.
3. Honey and lemon: A small amount of honey and lemon juice diluted in warm water can help reduce coughs and ease your throat. This can be taken in the morning and before bed, but watch the sugar in the honey and its effect on blood sugar levels, especially if you have diabetes.
4. Steam inhalation: Steam inhalation using herbs such as celandine, juniper, or eucalyptus can help ease breathing and reduce coughing. However, be careful to avoid burns.
5. Taking licorice root: Lic orice root can help reduce inflammation and relieve coughs. However, it can also increase blood pressure, so you should consult your doctor before using it.
6. Stresscontrol: Stress can worsen the symptoms of heart cough. Practicing relaxation, meditation, and deep breathing can help manage stress.

It is important to remember that folk remedies can be helpful, but are not a substitute for basic medical treatment and doctor's advice. Patients with heart problems should strictly follow the doctor's recommendations and undergo regular medical check-ups.

Forecast

The prognosis of cardiac cough depends on several factors, including the underlying heart condition, its severity, the timeliness of diagnosis and initiation of treatment, and the effectiveness of treatment and adherence to the doctor's recommendations. It is important to note that cardiac cough itself is not a separate disease, but only a symptom of underlying cardiac problems.

The prognosis may be as follows:

1. Positive prognosis: If the underlying cardiac condition is successfully controlled and treated, cardiac cough can be completely relieved or minimized. This can be accomplished by following the doctor's recommendations, using medication, diet and exercise regimen.
2. Average prognosis: In some cases, heart cough can be manageable but requires constant attention and care. This may include regular medical monitoring, treatment adjustments, and lifestyle changes.
3. Negative Prognosis: In cases where the underlying cardiac condition worsens severely and cannot be controlled, the prognosis may be less favorable. The cardiac cough may worsen in such cases and the patient may face complications such as heart failure.

It is important to realize that cardiac cough is a consequence of underlying heart problems and the underlying condition itself must be treated. Patients with cardiac cough should follow their doctor's recommendations, undergo regular medical examinations and monitor their health.

Prognosis may also depend on the patient's adherence to lifestyle modification recommendations, including diet, physical activity, medication and stress management. Patients should also actively communicate with their physician and report any changes in their condition to promptly adjust treatment and maintain good heart health.