Wheezing, coughing and breathlessness are commonly associated with asthma. However, these symptoms can sometimes have a different cause: heart failure. Because the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, this condition, often referred to as cardiac asthma , occurs when fluid builds up in the lungs.
“Asthma is a condition where the airways go into spasm, or the airways are narrowed, and when we breathe in and breathe out, we hear wheezing noises. We have an obstruction to the airflow,” he explains. The symptoms of cardiac asthma can closely resemble those of bronchial asthma, making the condition difficult to identify. People with certain health conditions may be more likely to develop cardiac asthma, particularly those that increase the risk of heart disease and eventual heart failure. Since the symptoms of cardiac asthma overlap with conventional asthma, diagnosis can sometimes be challenging. “Diagnosis of cardiac asthma is crucial as it points out congestive heart disease. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Binay Kumar, Director-Interventional Cardiology & Electrophysiology, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Sector 88, Faridabad, explained how cardiac asthma differs from conventional asthma, its warning signs, diagnosis and treatment. (Also read: Want better gut health? Because of bronchospasm, where the airways narrow and cause wheezing, nutritionist says this one simple dinner habit may help ease acidity, reflux, and bloating ) According to Dr Kumar, conventional asthma occurs. It’s quite difficult to figure out due to the signs matching those of asthma. Because of this, cardiac asthma is often misdiagnosed, which can turn life-threatening,” Dr Kumar says.
