Do you sometimes feel like you have trouble breathing? Do you also hear a wheezing sound coming from your chest, like a gurgling sound? Most of the time, when something like this happens, we think, "Oh... this is asthma." But did you know that there is another condition that shows these symptoms, but is not actually asthma? That's what we call 'Cardiac Asthma.' Although the name is asthma, this is actually caused by a heart problem. Let's talk about this in detail today, because this is also something important that we need to be aware of.
What exactly is 'Cardiac Asthma'?
Simply put, 'Cardiac Asthma' is a condition where your lungs fill with fluid due to a weakness in your heart. Doctors also call this 'Pulmonary Edema' . Think of it this way: your lungs are like a sponge. When they fill with water, it's hard to breathe, right? That's what's happening here too.
This condition is caused by a condition called 'Pulmonary Hypertension' . This is increased pressure in the blood vessels in your lungs. This often happens when the left side of the heart is not working properly, which is called 'Left-sided Heart Failure' .
Important: When people hear the word 'heart failure', they fear that the heart is not working properly. This is not the case. It simply means that the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
So what is the difference between bronchial asthma and cardiac asthma?
Although both have symptoms such as difficulty breathing and a wheezing sound coming from the chest, the causes are completely different.
- Bronchial Asthma: This is a long-term disease that occurs in the lungs. The airways become swollen and narrow, causing difficulty breathing, coughing, and chest tightness. These symptoms can be exacerbated by exposure to things like dust, air pollution, and pollen.
- Cardiac Asthma: In this case, the problem lies in the heart. When the heart's function is impaired, the lungs fill with fluid, which is the cause of difficulty breathing.
Do you understand the difference? One is a lung problem, and the other is a heart problem that affects the lungs.
Who is at higher risk of developing 'Cardiac Asthma'?
This condition mostly affects people with a heart condition called 'Congestive Heart Failure' . This is when the heart failure gets worse as the blood flow through the blood vessels increases. As heart failure worsens, even mild exertion can make it difficult to breathe.
There are several risk factors for cardiac asthma:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus)
- Diseased heart valves
- Angina (chest pain)
- Having had a previous heart attack
A person with these conditions is more likely to develop 'cardiac asthma'.
How does 'Cardiac Asthma' affect the body?
When your lungs fill with water, it can be very difficult to breathe. This is especially true when you lie down or sleep. When you get up and sit up or stand up, you may find it easier to breathe. For example, if you wake up at night after sleeping soundly and suddenly feel short of breath, that could be a symptom of this condition.
What are the symptoms of this?
A person with cardiac asthma may exhibit symptoms such as:
- Waking up with difficulty breathing after a few hours of sleep at night is a major symptom for many people.
- Wheezing.
- Cough. This cough can be a dry cough, or it can be a cough with phlegm. Sometimes there are cases where the phlegm is mixed with a little blood.
If you have one or more of these symptoms, it is best to seek medical advice.
What causes 'Cardiac Asthma'?
As we have already discussed, the primary cause is 'Heart Failure' . This causes 'Pulmonary Hypertension' , which is increased blood pressure in the lungs. This results in 'Pulmonary Edema' , or the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. It is this accumulation of fluid in the lungs that makes it difficult for you to breathe, which is what causes 'Cardiac Asthma'.
How do doctors diagnose 'Cardiac Asthma'?
When you see a doctor, he or she will ask you about your symptoms, take your medical history, and perform a physical exam . Along with these, they may also do some testing to confirm the condition.
What tests are done for this?
The doctor may use the following tests to diagnose cardiac asthma:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) - This measures the electrical activity of the heart.
- Echocardiogram - This is like an ultrasound scan of the heart. It can look at the size, shape, and pumping action of the heart.
- Chest X-ray - to check for fluid in the lungs and an enlarged heart.
- Cardiopulmonary stress test - This tests the function of the heart and lungs during exercise.
- Cardiac catheterization - A test to look for blockages in the heart's arteries.
- Cardiac CT (Computed Tomography) Scan
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Not all of these tests are done for everyone. Your doctor will decide which tests are necessary based on your condition.
What are the treatments for 'Cardiac Asthma'?
The treatment for 'Cardiac Asthma' is different from the treatment for regular asthma (Bronchial Asthma). This is because the cause is different. The following can be used as treatment for 'Cardiac Asthma':
- Exercise: Doing appropriate exercise as directed by a doctor.
- Medications: Various types of medications may be prescribed.
- Cardiac rehabilitation: This is a medically supervised exercise and lifestyle modification program.
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD): A device that helps correct an irregular heartbeat.
- Biventricular pacemaker: A device that helps two chambers of the heart beat together.
- Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD): A mechanical device that helps the heart pump blood.
- Heart transplant: As a last resort, some people may need to have a heart transplant.
What kind of medicines are used for this?
The following medications are used to treat heart failure, the underlying cause of cardiac asthma:
- ACE inhibitors
- Beta-blockers
- Diuretics: These are also called "water pills." They help to eliminate excess fluid from the body through urine.
- SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
- Aldosterone blockers
- SGLT2 inhibitors
These medications work by reducing the burden on the heart, controlling blood pressure, and removing excess fluid from the body.
Are there any side effects of the treatment?
Like any medication, these medications can cause some side effects. Side effects can vary depending on the medication. Here are a few examples:
- ACE inhibitors: Dry cough, dizziness, fatigue, and headaches.
- Beta-blockers: Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, and possibly depression.
If you develop any new symptoms, or feel anything unusual after starting medication, you should inform your doctor immediately.
How to reduce the risk of developing 'Cardiac Asthma'?
'Cardiac asthma' is caused by heart failure. So, if you reduce the risk of heart failure, the risk of 'cardiac asthma' will also be reduced.
You can do these things to reduce the risk of both:
- If you have other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes mellitus , get them properly treated and controlled.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Control stress.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat more heart-healthy foods (like fruits and vegetables).
- Completely avoid the use of tobacco products (such as cigarettes and beedis).
- Limit alcohol consumption, or stop it completely.
- Do not use illegal drugs.
Following these things will go a long way in keeping your heart healthy.
What should someone with 'Cardiac Asthma' expect?
Heart failure, also known as 'cardiac asthma', is a condition that can gradually worsen over time. Symptoms can also increase unexpectedly. Lifestyle changes and medications can help control the condition for a while.
However, sometimes you can get to a point where you have difficulty breathing even without any exertion. This is called 'Advanced Heart Failure' .
Before you get to a point like this, it's important to talk to your family and doctor about what kind of treatment you want. For example, if you have a lot of trouble breathing, would you be willing to have a breathing tube put down your throat? It's good to have these things decided in advance.
How long does 'Cardiac Asthma' last?
Cardiac asthma lasts as long as the underlying condition that causes it persists. Usually, that condition is heart failure. There is currently no cure for it. Therefore, it is important to get the best treatment you can get.
How do I take care of myself?
To reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life, you should follow your doctor's instructions exactly:
- Get proper treatment for other medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure) that can worsen heart failure.
- Make lifestyle changes. For example, reducing the amount of salt you add to your food.
- Take the medication prescribed by your doctor consistently and exactly. Don't miss a single day.
When should I see a doctor?
If you develop new symptoms, or if your symptoms get worse, see a doctor immediately.
Tell your doctor, especially if you have any of the following:
- If breathing difficulty increases.
- If the ankles are swollen (Swollen ankles).
- If you suddenly gain weight.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- If there is a loss of appetite.
Don't ignore these symptoms.
When do you need to go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) ?
If you have an allergic reaction to a medicine you are taking – for example, swelling of your tongue or lips – call 911 immediately or go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital. Also, if you have severe difficulty breathing, and it doesn't get better no matter what you do, you should definitely go to the emergency room.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
When you go to see the doctor, you can ask questions like these:
- "What kind of treatment do you recommend for my condition?"
- "What kind of exercise can I do?"
- "How soon do I need to come back for follow-up appointments?"
Ask your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.
Finally, what to remember (Take-Home Message)
Cardiac asthma is a symptom of a much larger condition, heart failure . Although there is no cure for heart failure, there are medications and various treatments that can help control it. Your doctor can help you choose the treatment that is best for you. Since heart failure can get worse over time, it is important to keep your doctor informed about your symptoms. It is also wise to let your doctor know in advance what treatments you would like if your heart condition worsens. Take care of your heart and stay healthy!
` Cardiac asthma, cardiac asthma, shortness of breath, pulmonary edema, heart attack, heart disease, respiratory distress
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