9 Warning Signs Tell you That Your Heart Doesn’t Work The Way It Should

2. Coughing that won’t quit

Coughing can arise from a variety of issues, but it can also serve as an important indicator of cardiovascular disease. In particular, a persistent cough that produces a pinkish fluid, often tinged with blood, is frequently associated with heart failure. This type of cough occurs due to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary congestion, which is a consequence of the heart’s impaired ability to pump blood effectively.

While coughing itself can be a symptom, it is often a sub-symptom of a more significant issue: dyspnea, or difficulty breathing. Dyspnea is characterized by a sudden and distressing loss of breath and can signal underlying heart problems. This can happen when the heart is unable to circulate blood adequately, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs, which causes both coughing and breathing difficulties. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial, as they may indicate heart failure or other serious cardiovascular conditions that require immediate medical attention.