Cardiac asthma

Cardiac Asthma

Cardiac asthma (pronounced: kahr-dee-ak az-muh) is not a form of asthma. It's a type of coughing or wheezing that occurs with left heart failure. Despite its name, cardiac asthma is not a lung disorder. It is a symptom of heart disease and is caused by swelling (congestion) in the lungs due to a weakened or overworked heart.

Etymology

The term "Cardiac asthma" is derived from the Greek words "kardia" meaning heart and "asthma" meaning panting or shortness of breath. It was first used in the 19th century to describe episodes of wheezing in patients with heart failure.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cardiac asthma include shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. These symptoms are often worse at night or early in the morning, and they're often relieved by sitting upright. Other symptoms may include rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, and a feeling of apprehension or anxiety.

Causes

Cardiac asthma is caused by the backflow of blood into the lungs, which is often the result of heart failure. This backflow can occur when the left ventricle of the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to an increase in pressure that pushes fluid into the lungs.

Treatment

Treatment for cardiac asthma typically involves treating the underlying heart condition. This may include medications to reduce fluid buildup, improve heart function, or control blood pressure. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace a damaged heart valve.

Related Terms

• Heart failure
• Asthma
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Anxiety

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Cardiac asthma
• Wikipedia's article - Cardiac asthma

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