How Does Chf Cause Coughing
Coughing is a symptom that receives far less attention in heart-related diseases than the more definitive symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain.1 CHF results in the build-up of fluids in the lungs, which is a condition known as pulmonary oedema. The body tries and coughs persistently to remove the extra fluids from the lungs.2,8
With appropriate treatment for CHF, the cough should subside. However, if it reappears, then your medicines may need some adjustments.2
Cough induced by medicines for congestive heart failure
Just like the disease causes coughing, the medication used to treat it can also cause similar side effects. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are a common class of medicines prescribed for CHF.9 Unfortunately, ACE inhibitors trigger the development of dry and persistent cough. About 5-35% of the people undergoing treatment with ACE inhibitors reported coughing.10 The only solution to this problem would be to replace ACE inhibitors with another class of medicines.10
Other symptoms commonly associated with CHF are fatigue, limitations in performing normal activities, swelling in the ankles and shortness of breath. These symptoms can be warning signs of CHF and do not necessarily confirm its diagnosis however, one should not take these symptoms lightly. If you have any such symptoms, a prompt visit to the physician is recommended.11
References:
Why Does Pain In The Esophagus Feel Like Heart Pain
Inside your chest cavity , your esophagus actually runs right alongside the heart. The same sensory nerves send pain signals from both organs to your brain. It can be difficult to distinguish between the two based on symptoms alone. If you have other symptoms of esophageal reflux, such as stomach fluid coming back up through your esophagus, that can be a clue. Other esophageal disorders, such as muscle spasms or visceral hypersensitivity, might be trickier to identify.
Heartburn Or Heart Attack How To Tell The Difference
Chest pain can be scary. And its not always easy to tell the difference between heartburn and a heart attack especially since heartburn-like symptoms can be from a heart attack. Columbus Batiste, MD, an interventional cardiologist and chief of cardiology at Kaiser Permanentes Riverside and Moreno Valley Medical Centers in Southern California, breaks down the symptoms and details the importance of knowing if youre at risk for heart disease.
What is heartburn?
Heartburn is discomfort or pain that occurs when food and stomach acid back up into the esophagus the tube that leads from the throat to the stomach.
Common indicators of heartburn include:
- A burning sensation in the chest or stomach
- Foul breath and a sour, acidic, or metallic taste in the mouth
- Increased gas or belching
- Coughing, especially when lying down
- Symptoms start after eating or lying down
You should be able to relieve your symptoms by taking an antacid, like Tums or Rolaids, or by drinking a glass of water with a spoonful of baking soda stirred in it. If heartburn is keeping you from sleeping, propping yourself up in bed can help.
Contact your doctor for advice if an antacid doesnt temporarily ease your symptoms, this is the first time youve had heartburn, or your symptoms have changed.
Heart attack signs can vary greatly
- Back discomfort
- Lightheadedness
Silent heart attacks are common
Another cause of chest pain
Risk factors for heart disease
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The Signs And Symptoms Of Heart Failure
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Symptoms of heart failure may start suddenly or it may develop over months would you know what to look out for? A bloated tummy is one symptom of the life-threatening condition, and there are others too. The NHS explained heart failure occurs when the muscle has become weak or stiff. More common in elderly people, the main indicators of the condition are:
- Breathlessness after activity or at rest
- Feeling tired most of the time
- Finding exercise exhausting
- Swollen ankles and legs
Other signs of heart failure may include a persistent cough, which may be worse at night.
Furthermore, some people may experience wheezing, confusion, and an irregular heartbeat, known as palpitations.
As well as a bloated tummy, one may lose their appetite, and either put on weight or lose weight.
Heart failure may also cause dizziness and fainting in some people, or feelings of depression and anxiety.
See your GP if you experience persistent or gradually worsening symptoms of heart failure, advised the NHS.
Causes Of Heart Blockage Symptoms
Heart attacks dont happen out of the blue. There must be a cause for this outcome. Here are some possible reasons why heart attacks occur:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Family genetics and history of heart attacks
- High cholesterol
- Having type II diabetes
- Poor nutrition and physical inactivity
These risk factors lead to heart blockage symptoms that are easy to spot if you know what to look for. Read on to learn more.
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Water Pills For The Heart
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Urgent Signs You Just Had A Heart Attack
Being able to identify heart blockage symptoms early can save your life. A heart attack incident doesnt have to be as dramatic as we would expect. It could occur in several passing phases without our knowledge. Every year, more than 700,000 Americans experience a first or recurring heart attack. Many of these incidents result in death. As for the survivors, they might suffer from depression, pain, or cardiovascular problems. Lets first find out what causes these heart problems:
Recommended Reading: How To Have A Heart Attack In 10 Easy Steps
Not Sure If What Youre Feeling Is A Heart Attack Or Heartburn
I tell my patients that if you belch and the symptoms go away, it probably isnt related to your heart but to your esophagus, Bauman said. But if you have shortness of breath or sweating, then its likely a heart-related issue.
However, everyone is different, and not all symptoms are caused by one or the other, so:
When To See A Healthcare Provider
You should contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have heart failure and are coughing
- You start coughing soon after a change in heart-failure medications or dosage adjustment
- You aren’t diagnosed with heart disease but have a cough and other symptoms that could point to heart failure
- You have lung disease and develop a new type of cough or worsening cough
A cardiac cough can easily be mistaken for a cough with a different cause, such as a cold or allergies. It’s safest not to make assumptions about the cause and to it get checked out.
Do not attempt to self-treat a cough with an over-the-counter cough suppressant or other drug. The active ingredients in some of these, like pseudoephedrine, can raise blood pressure and worsen the symptoms of heart failure.
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What Other Problems Can Cause Noncardiac Chest Pain
Some less common causes of noncardiac chest pain include:
- Muscle or bone problems in the chest, chest wall, or spine .
- Chronic lung diseases, including diseases of the pleura, the tissue that covers your lungs.
- Stomach problems, such as ulcers.
- Psychological problems, including pain disorders, stress, anxiety and depression.
Simple Causes Of Chest Pain
- Burping, belching, heartburn, nausea and a sour taste in the mouth usually accompany indigestion
- Heart palpitations usually accompany a panic attack, shortness of breath and anxiety
- Chest-wall or muscle pain from exercise or injury can be made worse when the sore area is pressed with a finger
- Breathing pain of respiratory infections can be made worse by coughing and deep breathing
- Its important to know that any of these symptoms also can be present with a heart attack. Do not assume that you are just having indigestion or a panic attack. Get medical help right away.
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How To Reduce Bloating
If the reason for bloating can be identified, it is typically possible to treat it effectively however, this is not always possible. When no apparent cause can be identified, treatment mainly consists of avoiding the offending foods, medication, and in certain cases, psychological therapies, such as hypnosis and behavioural treatments.2
Drug treatments
Over-the-counter remedies, including simethicone and activated charcoal, are used to treat gas and bloating symptoms, despite their effectiveness being debatable. Patients with bloating owing to functional gastrointestinal issues may benefit from the usage of antidepressants that work by altering the perception of gut feelings at the higher level of the nervous system.1
Non-drug interventions
According to some studies, probiotic formulations are shown to improve bloating and flatulence. These formulations comprise bacterial species, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.6 Probiotics can be found in fermented dairy products, such as kefir and Greek yoghurt. Patients with IBS have reported relief from bloating after undergoing hypnosis.1,7 Patients suffering from bloating due to aerophagia may require behavioural therapy from a psychologist.9
Lifestyle advice2,9
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Noncardiac Chest Pain
Noncardiac chest pain is most commonly related to a problem with your esophagus, the swallowing tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. There are several different esophageal disorders that can cause noncardiac chest pain, including:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease . Otherwise known as chronic acid reflux, this is the most common cause of noncardiac chest pain, accounting for 50% to 60% of cases.
- Esophageal muscle spasms. Abnormal contractions or squeezing of your esophagus.
- Achalasia. This is a rare disorder in which your lower esophageal sphincter doesnt relax and open to allow food into your stomach, causing food to back up into your esophagus.
- Esophageal hypersensitivity. This is a sensory disorder in which the muscles, nerves and receptors of your esophageal wall are overly sensitive. People with this condition experience normal tension, pressure changes, and acid contents as painful.
- Inflammation of the esophagus. This can result from an immune response to infection or food allergies or from peptic ulcer disease.
- Abnormal esophageal tissue. This creates constrictions, such as rings and webs.
When healthcare providers cant determine the cause but have ruled out other possible factors, they diagnose functional chest pain of presumed esophageal origin.”
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What Does Noncardiac Chest Pain Feel Like
Noncardiac chest pain is often described as feeling like angina, the chest pain caused by heart disease. It feels like a painful squeezing or tightness in your chest, or like pressure or heaviness, particularly behind your sternum. You may feel it on the right side or the left side or in the middle. Sometimes the pain radiates to your neck, left arm or back. You may notice that it occurs after eating, or that it is accompanied by heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest. It can last for a few minutes or a few hours.
How Can I Plan Ahead For Heart Problems During The Coronavirus Pandemic
The best time to prepare for a medical emergency is before it happens. Here are some tips:
- Put emergency numbers into your smartphone or post them where you can find them easily.
- For those with known heart disease risk who live alone, consider a wearable medical alert device.
- Keep a two-week supply of all your medications in the house at all times while the coronavirus pandemic is still happening.
- Dont delay regular doctor visits, which can help you stay healthier in general, and help your doctor spot warning signs of heart trouble.
- Work with your doctor to manage heart attack risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and smoking.
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How Rare Is Burping As An Only Symptom Of A Heart Problem
There is no quantitative data. Belching as an isolated symptom of angina without chest pain, have not been reported before, states the Journal, and was not included as a common presenting symptom of angina pectoris in the standard textbooks of medicine and cardiology.
Bear in mind that this study comes out of the nation of Oman, which has a significantly smaller population than the United States.
We can only imagine how many people in the U.S. or another heavily populated and industrialized nation have suffered from burping as their only symptom of heart disease and were never properly diagnosed and eventually died of a heart attack.
This is why new-onset, unexplained belching needs medical attention: See a cardiologist before you see a gastroenterologist.
A digestive issue such as acid reflux can wait. A heart problem cant.
A Closer Look at the Man Whose Only Symptom of Dangerously Clogged Heart Arteries Was Burping
Patient reported burping episodes after feeling gassy in his stomach for two months.
The gas and belching occurred only during physical activity such as using a staircase and even walking, plus also emotional stress.
Interjection: That second bullet point makes a heart problem highly suspect in the case of burping as an only symptom!
PAY ATTENTION to events preceding worrisome symptoms and document them!
Needless to say, the patient reported no connection between his symptoms and eating, and they did not occur at rest, either.
Swelling Or Pain In The Abdomen
Swelling or pain in the upper abdomen can occur due to fluid build-up in the body, which is a sign of worsening heart failure. The discomfort is due to fluid retention and congestion in the liver and gut. Some people who develop swelling in their abdomen notice their clothes feeling tighter around their stomach area. To help prevent this from happening, you should reduce the salt in your diet and limit the amount of fluids you are drinking, as recommended by your doctor.
If your doctor or nurse has discussed with you how to adjust your diuretic medication then you should do this if you notice swelling in your abdomen, especially if you have noticed weight gain. Otherwise, call your doctor or nurse for assistance.
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What Is Heart Disease
Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability in the United Kingdom, yet it is often preventable by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. CVD is characterised by the inadequate supply of oxygenated blood to the heart due to the narrowing or blocking of arteries, which impedes blood flow and severely affects organ systems. CVD can be classified into four categories: coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and aortic disease. The most common symptoms associated with each form of CVD are distinct from one another.3 Furthermore, there are a variety of factors that can enhance your chances of getting heart disease. The more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to get CVD. You can have your risk assessments on blood pressure, smoking status, cholesterol, diabetes, exercise, and obesity using our Klarity App.
Heart Attack Warning Signs And Symptoms: Digestive Problems
Nausea
Nausea or feeling sick on your stomach is a less common but possible symptom of a heart attack. Sometimes belching or burping can accompany nausea, and some patients have described a feeling like indigestion associated with a heart attack. Women are more likely than men to report these less typical symptoms of heart attack, and some patients have described feeling as though they are developing the flu.
Vomiting
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How Is Noncardiac Chest Pain Treated
Effective treatment depends on identifying the cause of your noncardiac chest pain. Some options include:
Acid reflux treatments
If your noncardiac chest pain is, like most peoples, from GERD, treatment is usually simple and effective. Proton-pump inhibitors are the most commonly used medicine to treat GERD. PPIs reduce the amount of stomach acid that your glands secrete, which also allows ulcers and acidic corrosion to heal. Treatment usually begins with a high dosage to control your symptoms, then continues with a low dosage for two to four months. PPIs are about 90% effective in treating GERD and its side effects. If they are ineffective, it probably means that your NCCP is caused by something else.
Pain blockers
The next most common and effective treatment for noncardiac chest pain is a medicine that blocks the pain signals. These are usually from a class of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants , used in much lower dosages than they are used to treat depression. If side effects prevent you from tolerating TCAs, other categories of antidepressants might work. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have shown some promise in treating NCCP, although they are less well-established than TCAs.
Emotional and behavioral therapies
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/04/2022.
References
Bloating Or Fullness Distended Stomach And Weight Gain
- Medical Author: Carol DerSarkissian, MD
Last Editorial Review: 6/15/2020
Your symptoms and signs match a wide variety of different medical conditions, including problems from your intestines to your heart. If these symptoms and signs are new and getting worse, it’s best to have your doctor take a look at you. Pay attention to what other symptoms or signs you may be having. Adding more symptoms and signs may help better pinpoint what may be going on. For any symptoms or signs that concern you or don’t go away, your doctor is your best resource to help you get to the bottom of what’s causing them.
While the list below can be considered as a guide to educate yourself about these conditions, this is not a substitute for a diagnosis from a health care provider. There are many other medical conditions that also can be associated with your symptoms and signs. Here are a number of those from MedicineNet:
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