Coughing With Congestive Heart Failure

What Is The Difference Between Right

Right-sided congestive heart failure causes poor venous blood return to the heart. In other words, when the heart contracts or pumps, instead of the right ventricle pushing the blood through the lungs for oxygenation, some blood leaks through the tricuspid valve back into the right atrium. This blood backs up into the systemic circulation and consequently becomes congested. Fluid accumulates in the abdomen, interfering with the function of the organs in these areas. The abdomen may fill with fluid, a condition called ascites. Fluid may also leak from veins in the limbs, causing swelling, known as peripheral edema.

In left-sided congestive heart failure , when the heart contracts or pumps, instead of the left ventricle pushing the blood into the systemic circulation, some blood leaks through the mitral valve back into the left atrium and then it backs up into the lungs. Fluid then seeps into the lung tissue resulting in pulmonary edema. This causes coughing and difficulty breathing. Left-sided congestive heart failure is the most common form of congestive heart failure. The classic signs of heart failure, coughing and fluid in the chest, are most commonly caused by LS-CHF.

Congestive Heart Failure: Prevention Treatment And Research

Congestive heart failure is a serious condition in which the heart doesnt pump blood as efficiently as it should. Despite its name, heart failure doesnt mean that the heart has literally failed or is about to stop working. Rather, it means that the heart muscle has become less able to contract over time or has a mechanical problem that limits its ability to fill with blood. As a result, it cant keep up with the bodys demand, and blood returns to the heart faster than it can be pumped outit becomes congested, or backed up. This pumping problem means that not enough oxygen-rich blood can get to the bodys other organs.

The body tries to compensate in different ways. The heart beats faster to take less time for refilling after it contractsbut over the long run, less blood circulates, and the extra effort can cause heart palpitations. The heart also enlarges a bit to make room for the blood. The lungs fill with fluid, causing shortness of breath. The kidneys, when they dont receive enough blood, begin to retain water and sodium, which can lead to kidney failure. With or without treatment, heart failure is often and typically progressive, meaning it gradually gets worse.

More than 5 million people in the United States have congestive heart failure. Its the most common diagnosis in hospitalized patients over age 65. One in nine deaths has heart failure as a contributing cause.

Treating And Managing Cardiac Cough

Congestive heart failure needs prompt treatment. Doctors also recommend managing cardiac cough with lifestyle changes so that the failing heart does not have to work as hard and the medications can work better.

Medications are recommended for reducing fluid in the body or helping the ventricle contract better. They include:

• Diuretics to remove the fluid
• Nitrates that open the blood vessels for easy blood flows
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors for normal ventricle contraction
• Beta-blockers for slowing the heart rate
• Medication for keeping the blood pressure level in control.

Cardiac cough can be managed by:

• Taking the doctors prescribed medications properly
• Eating a healthy diet
• Reducing the intake of salt and extra fluid in the diet
• Avoiding tobacco and smoking
• Avoiding taking any medicine without first consulting your heart doctor
• Reporting worsening symptoms to the doctor.

In some cases of heart failure, surgery is necessary to avoid further damage to the heart and improve its functions.

Dr. Steven Reisman is an internationally recognized cardiologist and heart specialist. He is a member of the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and a founding member of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology.

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Cough Induced From Airways

There is indisputable evidence on the close relationship between cough and vagal nerve function. The vagotomy or vagal nerve cooling in animals completely abolishes cough . The bodies of the neurons innervating airways are located in the nodose and jugular ganglia of the vagal nerve . Airway afferents relevant for cough are classified into mechano- and chemosensitive terminals depending on their activation profile. Airway mechanosensors are derived from the nodose ganglion and terminate in airways and lungs. These fibers have relatively fast conduction speed and their endings are classified as rapidly or slowly adapting receptors based on the adaptation pattern to the lung inflation. The main stimuli for these receptors include lung volume changes, contraction of airway smooth muscles and the airway wall edema. These fibers participate in the regulation of breathing pattern, bronchomotor response and other reflex responses in the respiratory tract . They are not sensitive to chemicals, unless these substances cause airway edema, increase mucus secretion or induce the changes in airway muscle tone. The role of RARs and SARs, as a structural elements of the cough reflex, is rather limited, they probably regulate the duration and magnitude of the inspiratory and expiratory phases of coughing but do not usually initiate the reflex itself .

What Clinical Signs Should I Expect

The most common clinical sign of congestive heart failure is persistent coughing accompanied by difficulty breathing. This is due mainly to pulmonary edema or the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. The enlarged heart will also push against the trachea, causing irritation that can induce a cough.

“The most common clinical sign of congestive heart failure is persistent coughing accompanied by difficulty breathing.”

Many dogs with CHF will tire out more easily, have reduced stamina, and do not engage in playing or walking as they once did. Coughing when at rest or sleeping, excessive panting, persistent loss of appetite, a swollen belly, and pale or bluish gums are also signs associated with heart failure. The dog will develop generalized weight loss and muscle wasting due to the effects of CHF on other body systems. If any of these signs develop in a pet with a heart murmur, notify your veterinarian immediately.

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What Are The Symptoms Of A Cardiac Cough

The symptoms of a cardiac cough vary depending on the specific cause. Possible symptoms include:

• A wet cough that produces sputum that may be slightly pink due to blood
• Heavy wheezing, or a whistling sound that happens while breathing, accompanied by coughing
• Shortness of breath while engaging in activities or lying down
• Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
• A bubbling feeling in the chest due to fluid buildup in the lungs
• A long-term dry cough that doesn’t get better when treated

If you’re showing signs of a cardiac cough, you may also have other symptoms of heart failure such as fatigue and swelling.

Initial Stages Of Chf

In the initial, mild stage A, there are underlying high-risk factors for CHF such as smoking or high blood pressure. However, the affected person has no symptoms or limitations at rest or with physical activity and there are no signs of CHF on evaluation by a doctor.

In stage B, the person develops mild symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations with routine physical activity. There are minor signs of heart dysfunction on a doctors evaluation. There might also be a mild, intermittent collection of fluid, known as edema, in the ankles and feet.

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What Are The Common Early Symptoms Of Heart Failure In Adults

Most of the common symptoms of heart failure are also associated with other conditions.

But if you have any symptoms that are recurrent or persistent, or if you have two or more common early signs of heart failure, its a good idea to seek medical care. A medical professional can assess your symptoms and determine if heart failure is the cause.

Common early symptoms of heart failure include:

• shortness of breath
• trouble sleeping, or sleeping on extra pillows
• waking up at night short of breath
• loss of appetite or nausea
• heart palpitations

Next, well explain a bit more about why each of these symptoms can be caused by heart failure.

Can It Be Inherited

Your dog can in fact have inherited his congenital heart disease diagnosis, and it can be prevalent in some breeds.

Sometimes dogs can live with these types of heart disease for many years or it may show up late in life.

It can be discovered during a physical if the veterinarian hears a loud heart murmur through a stethoscope. Common congenital defects that your vet may discover are:

• Subaortic stenosis
• Ventricular septal defects
• Persistent ductus arteriosis

Dogs that have congestive heart failure and are diagnosed with one of these congenital heart defects veterinarians will suggest that they be spayed or neutered to prevent spreading the defect within the breed population.

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If You Notice Even One Other Sign Of Heart Failure Contact Your Doctor Immediately

The signs of heart failure can be ambiguous because they are frequently associated with a number of other illnesses, as well. “By themselves, any one sign of heart failure may not be cause for alarm,” according to the American Heart Association. “But if you have more than one of these symptoms, even if you haven’t been diagnosed with any heart problems, report them to a healthcare professional and ask for an evaluation of your heart,” their experts advise.

Not sure what to look out for? Shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling or fluid retention, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, confusion, and increased heart rate are some of the other common symptoms of heart failure, the AHA reports.

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Congestive Heart Failure: Coughing Up This Colored Phlegm Could Be A Warning Sign

• 5.7 million Americans suffer from congestive heart failure
• Coronary heart diseases are the leading cause of heart failure
• Coughing up pink-colored blood-tinged phlegm could be a warning sign

Heart failure, a.k.a. congestive heart failure, happens when a persons heart muscles fail to pump as much blood as it should. Certain health conditions including coronary artery diseases or hypertension gradually weaken your heart or make it inefficient. Identifying early signs and symptoms are important to avoid serious consequences.

Individuals suffering from heart failure might experience coughing or wheezing that produces white or pink-colored blood-tinged mucus. This happens as a result of fluid accumulation in the lungs. In some cases, frothy sputum is also noticed among heart failure patients.

Other early signs and symptoms of heart failure include fatigue, weakness, reduced ability to exercise, swollen limbs, rapid or irregular heartbeat, persistent cough, shortness of breath, very rapid weight gain due to fluid retention, decreased alertness, difficulty concentrating and chest pain.

The Mayo Clinic urged those individuals experiencing chest pain, fainting, severe weakness, sudden severe shortness of breath and coughing up pink foamy mucus to rush to the emergency department or call 911 to seek immediate help. ER doctors will determine if your symptoms are due to heart failure or anything else and will try to stabilize it.

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What Causes Heart Failure In A Child

The most common cause of heart failure in children is a heart defect that is present at birth . Other causes include:

• Heart muscle disease or enlargement of the heart muscle . This is often an inherited cause.

• Heart valve disease

• Low red blood cell count

• Medicine side effects, especially from medicines used to treat cancer

Symptoms Of Cardiac Cough

For heart failure patients, the frequent cough, along with these symptoms, indicates cardiac cough. They include:

• Dyspnea if you get out of breath while performing a simple activity or even during sleeping, it could be dyspnea. The breathlessness results from CHF, where pulmonary congestion occurs and the fluid leaks into the lungs.
• Wheezing Productive cough produces white or blood-tinged mucus that indicates fluid buildup in the lungs. It also causes labored breathing and wheezing.
• Confusion and impaired thinking CHF can result in disorientation, fatigue, weakness, and memory loss. It affects the lungs efficiency in transporting sufficient oxygen to the brain and the rest of the body.

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How Do You Stop Coughing With Congestive Heart Failure

There are a few things that can be done to stop coughing with congestive heart failure. One is to take medications prescribed by a doctor to help loosen secretions and make it easier to cough up phlegm. Another is to drink plenty of fluids, which will help thin out mucus. And finally, practicing good hygiene by regularly washing hands and avoiding contact with respiratory viruses can help reduce the risk of infection.

When To Call The Doctor

• You are tired or weak.
• You feel short of breath when you are active or when you are at rest.
• You feel short of breath when you lie down, or an hour or two after falling asleep.
• You are wheezing and having trouble breathing.
• You have a cough that does not go away. It may be dry and hacking, or it may sound wet and bring up pink, foamy spit.
• You have swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs.
• You have to urinate a lot, particularly at night.
• You have gained or lost weight.
• You have pain and tenderness in your belly.
• You have symptoms that you think might be from your medicines.
• Your pulse, or heartbeat, gets very slow or very fast, or it is not steady.

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What To Do When Experiencing Cardiac Coughing

If you cough every time you take a deep breath or find yourself getting quickly winded at the end of a long speech, then you understand the frustrations of dealing with a chronic cough. And, while there are treatment options available for those with a cardiac cough, it can take a while to find the most suitable treatment for your unique needs. So, what should you do in the meantime? If you are experiencing cardiac coughing, you first need to note the symptoms and review them with your healthcare provider. However, if you find youre consistently experiencing unmanageable episodes of cardiac coughing, you should seek medical attention immediately. This is especially important if youve already been diagnosed with CHF or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , as a chronic cough could exacerbate the existing conditions.

What Are The Treatments For Heart Failure

Your treatment will depend on the type of heart failure you have and how serious it is. There’s no cure for heart failure. But treatment can help you live longer with fewer symptoms.

Even with treatment, heart failure usually gets worse over time, so you’ll likely need treatment for the rest of your life.

Most treatment plans include:

You may need heart surgery if:

• You have a congenital heart defect or damage to your heart that can be fixed.
• The left side of your heart is getting weaker and putting a device in your chest could help. Devices include:
• A biventricular pacemaker .
• A mechanical heart pump or a total artificial heart).

Your heart doctor recommends a heart transplant because your heart failure is life-threatening and nothing else is helping.

As part of your treatment, you’ll need to pay close attention to your symptoms, because heart failure can worsen suddenly. Your provider may suggest a cardiac rehabilitation program to help you learn how to manage your condition.

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Common Signs Of Heart Disease In Dogs

Persistent Cough If your dog has a cough that doesnt clear up in a few days, heart disease may be the culprit. Dogs with heart disease cough for many reasons. In some dogs, fluid can accumulate in the lungs when the heart isnt pumping efficiently. This backup of blood in the lungs can result in fluid leaking out of blood vessels and accumulating in lung tissue, resulting in cough. Other dogs may have heart diseases that lead to heart enlargement. The enlarged heart can press on airways and stimulate coughing. Any persistent cough that lasts more than a few days should be checked by a veterinarian.

Fainting or Collapse When heart function is less than optimal, vital organs such as the brain can become deprived of nutrients, especially oxygen. Blood flow to the brain can be compromised in dogs with heart disease, leading to fainting or collapse. Syncope and collapse in dogs with heart disease usually are triggered by exercise, although sometimes coughing can trigger an episode.

Difficulty Breathing Dogs with heart disease often will have difficulty breathing . A dog may breathe more rapidly, or with more force. Some dogs will sit or stand with their legs wide apart and with their neck stretched out. Dogs with severe heart disease have more trouble breathing when lying down, and will often sit or stand for long periods of time.

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Heart Failure Signs And Symptoms

By themselves, any one sign of heart failure may not be cause for alarm. But if you have more than one of these symptoms, even if you haven’t been diagnosed with any heart problems, report them to a healthcare professional and ask for an evaluation of your heart. Congestive heart failure is a type of heart failure which requires seeking timely medical attention, although sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably.

This table lists the most common signs and symptoms, explains why they occur and describes how to recognize them.

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Coughing In Dogs With Heart Disease

by | Feb 16, 2018 | Blog Post, Cardiology

When dogs have a heart murmur, their hearts can become enlarged and lose the ability to pump blood into their lungs and the rest of their body. Known as heart failure, the symptoms show up as coughing and difficulty in breathing due to both the accumulation of fluid in the lungs and the enlarged heart pushing on and irritating the trachea.

Other symptoms of heart failure include lethargy, persistent loss of appetite, a swollen belly and pale/bluish gums.

Because coughing is a symptom of multiple other conditions, it is vital to differentiate the cause. Dogs in heart failure need immediate evaluation and medications, while dogs that are coughing but not in heart failure are less likely to need urgent care.

An easy and useful way to distinguish a cough due to heart failure versus another cause is to monitor the sleeping respiratory rate.

Sleeping respiratory rate is the rate, or times per minute, that your dog breathes in one minute while in a complete state of rest, meaning he or she is completely relaxed or even asleep. Research shows that dogs in heart failure have elevated sleeping respiratory rates, while dogs that are not in heart failure have normal respiratory rates.

For assistance in accuracy, we recommend using an app such as this one.

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