Why is nocturnal cough commonly seen in left heart failure?
Dec 06, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Nocturnal cough is commonly seen in left heart failure. It occurs due to pulmonary congestion or edema caused by heart failure, leading to coughing during sleep, which gradually improves when sitting up. Left heart failure results from insufficient compensatory function of the left ventricle, causing reduced left ventricular systolic function and increased pressure in the left atrium. Patients are advised to get adequate rest, avoid excessive fatigue, and refrain from staying up late.
Nighttime cough is commonly seen in left heart failure. It occurs due to congestion or edema in the lungs caused by heart failure, leading to coughing during sleep at night, which gradually improves when sitting up.
Left heart failure results from inadequate compensatory function of the left ventricle, leading to reduced left ventricular systolic function and increased pressure in the left atrium. Since the left atrium is connected to the pulmonary veins, elevated left atrial pressure increases pressure in the pulmonary veins. This increases resistance to blood returning from the lungs to the heart via the pulmonary veins, causing blood to accumulate in the lungs and resulting in pulmonary congestion. Patients may experience symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production. When lying flat at night, venous return increases, worsening pulmonary congestion and exacerbating left heart failure, thus causing coughing when lying down.
Treatment is generally guided by a physician and may include medications such as digoxin tablets and furosemide tablets. In severe cases, heart transplantation may be considered.
Patients are advised to get adequate rest, avoid excessive fatigue and staying up late, maintain a positive emotional state, and relieve mental stress through activities such as walking.
