What should you know about cardiac cough?

Heart-related congestion can make breathing harder and may cause a cough that is worse when lying flat or at night. Some people also notice breathlessness during ordinary activity, tiredness, or swelling around the ankles. A cough with frothy or pink-tinged sputum, severe breathlessness, or a sudden change needs urgent attention. Cough alone does not identify its cause. Reflux, asthma, allergies, infection, and long-lasting airway conditions can also be responsible. Read about Chronic Cough, Acid Reflux, Asthma, or Acute Bronchitis for context.

Arrange a clinical assessment if the cough persists, keeps returning, or comes with breathlessness, reduced exercise tolerance, or ankle swelling. A clinician may ask when it occurs, examine your heart and lungs, check your blood pressure and oxygen level, and review medicines. Keep a note of triggers, sleeping position, sputum, and associated symptoms. Take prescribed medicines as directed and do not start or stop heart or fluid medicines without advice. Seek review for a new cough after a medicine change, because some medicines can cause cough.

Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, chest pressure, fainting, confusion, blue lips, or coughing up pink froth. Seek same-day medical advice for breathlessness that is worsening, a rapidly increasing cough, or new swelling with a history of heart disease. A mild cough without warning signs can still merit a routine appointment if it does not settle.

Ask: Could my cough be related to fluid congestion or a medicine? What symptoms should prompt urgent help? Do I need heart or lung tests? Which changes in breathing, sleep, weight, or swelling should I record?