Your heart beats about 60–100 times per minute, sending blood throughout the body and delivering oxygen to every cell. The blood returns back to the heart, which transports it to the lungs, where it picks up more oxygen.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) occurs when your heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to a buildup of fluid in the lungs, liver, abdomen, and lower extremities, causing various symptoms and complications, Dr P. Praneeth, Consultant Cardiologist, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, told the OnlyMyHealth team.

From shortness of breath to fatigue, CHF can cause several symptoms. However, one symptom that is often under-recognised is chronic cough, which is why we asked the expert whether there is a link between the two.

Can Chronic Cough Be A Sign Of Congestive Heart Failure?

Dr Praneeth answered that a chronic cough can be an indicator of CHF because the latter can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, which irritates the respiratory tract and causes coughing.

This condition is also known as "cardiac cough," he shared.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), coughing is a common symptom of heart failure, often characterised by a cough that produces white or pink blood-tinged mucus.

How To Identify Congestive Heart Failure-Related Cough?

Here’s how you can recognise coughs that are related to heart failure:

• Wet or productive cough, often producing frothy, sometimes blood-tinged sputum.
• Cough that worsens when lying flat (due to increased fluid pressure in the lungs.)
• Associated symptoms include shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or when lying down, wheezing, and a feeling of tightness in the chest.

Other Symptoms Of CHF

Listing other common symptoms of CHF, Dr Praneeth shared:

• Shortness of breath, particularly during exertion or while lying down.
• Fatigue and weakness are due to reduced oxygen and nutrient supply to the body.
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet due to fluid retention.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Reduced ability to exercise due to shortness of breath and fatigue
• Increased need to urinate at night
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Rapid weight gain
• Lack of appetite and nausea
• Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness

Who Is Most At Risk Of Congestive Heart Failure?

To recognise coughs associated with CHF, people should also understand and assess their risk factors. Some of them include:

• Older adults
• People with high blood pressure
• Individuals with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
• Diabetes patients
• Obese people
• People with a history of heart conditions
• Smokers and chronic alcoholics

Management Tips

If you have CHF, it is best to consult a doctor for effective treatment and management of the condition. However, a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and possibly surgical interventions can help support your heart. These include:

• Reducing salt intake to manage fluid retention
• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Regular physical activity to strengthen the heart
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking
• Limiting alcohol
• Taking diuretics to reduce fluid buildup as per the doctor's prescription
• ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure and reduce heart strain.
• Beta-blockers to slow the heart rate 
• Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider
• Tracking weight and symptoms to detect worsening conditions early

Conclusion

Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition that requires immediate and long-term medical attention. While lifestyle changes are necessary to manage the problem, consulting a doctor plays a crucial role. It is important that you recognise the signs of CHF early and address them on time. This includes seemingly benign symptoms, such as coughing. Remember, vigilance is key when it comes to supporting your heart health.

Reference Link

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/can-chronic-cough-be-a-sign-of-congestive-heart-failure-or-not-1721639104