Cardiac Asthma | Signs, Symptoms & Treatment | MedStar Health

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Understanding the difference between cardiac asthma and bronchial asthma

While cardiac asthma and bronchial asthma share symptoms like coughing and wheezing, they are entirely different medical conditions with very different causes.

What is cardiac asthma?

Cardiac asthma is not a type of asthma; it is a respiratory condition triggered by left heart failure. When the heart’s left ventricle struggles to pump blood efficiently, fluid accumulates in the lungs—a condition known as pulmonary edema. This fluid buildup makes breathing difficult, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

What is bronchial asthma?

In contrast, bronchial asthma is a chronic lung condition caused by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This inflammation leads to episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing, usually triggered by allergens, environmental factors, or physical activity.

Recognizing the differences between cardiac asthma and bronchial asthma is crucial for effective treatment and symptom management. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis is essential.


A man coughing.

The risk factors for developing cardiac asthma include:

Following a heart-healthy lifestyle reduces your risk of developing heart failure and cardiac asthma. The American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8” are the key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular health can be improved by adopting key lifestyle measures, including eating a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, quitting tobacco, getting quality sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling cholesterol levels, managing blood sugar, and keeping blood pressure within a healthy range.

Symptoms

Cardiac asthma symptoms include:

  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Waking up at night with difficulty breathing
  • Shortness of breath with exertion

Tests

  • Blood and urine tests

  • Cardiopulmonary stress test

  • Chest X-Ray
    This test uses a small dose of radiation to create pictures of the structures inside the chest, including the lungs, heart, and chest wall.

  • Echocardiogram
    An echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves to create images of your heart.

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
    An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, measures the heart’s electrical activity.


Treatments

Cardiac asthma treatments may include:

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Insurance

MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.