Cardiac Asthma: Not Your Typical Asthma

Heart pumping facilitates the flow of blood from the left atrium and then to the left ventricle. Being the heart's largest chamber, it further contributes to the smooth flow of blood to the rest of the body. Any failure in the left ventricle's capacity to pump blood creates congestion in the heart due to its accumulation. This congestion leads to swelling of tissues causing respiratory issues and symptoms such as; shortness of breath, wheezing, etc., commonly known as CARDIAC ASTHMA. Many patients confuse this condition with a heart attack, making a proper diagnosis essential.

CAUSES
Fluid builds up in the body as a result of decreased cardiac output, which results in left-sided heart failure. As the lungs' tiny air sacs and airways start to fill with fluid, pulmonary edema, the backup of fluid into the lungs, can cause breathing issues. While these consequences may resemble those associated with the disease, they are actually caused by inflammation and airway constriction.