Violent Coughing, Insomnia, Weakness in Legs… Could It Be Heart Failure?

According to the data from the Hospital Authority, more than 20,000 people were admitted to the hospitals due to heart failure in 2019, so heart failure is not a rare occurrence. What exactly is heart failure? What are the effects of heart failure on the body? 

What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure is the result of damaged heart muscle, leading to weakened heart function. Although the heart will not stop beating, it can only barely sustain the patient’s life. The pumping action of the heart is affected when the heart failed, which hinders the delivery of sufficient blood and oxygen throughout the body. As the heart can’t keep up with the body's demand for oxygen, the patient may develop a myriad of symptoms.

There are many causes of heart failure. The most common cause is coronary heart disease, which is a blockage in the coronary arteries. When the arteries are blocked, narrowed or hardened by the build-up of fatty substances, the heart’s blood supply will be interrupted, causing damage to the heart muscle and resulting in coronary heart disease. Moreover, arrhythmia, heart valve disease, myocarditis, and congenital heart disease can all lead to heart failure.

Is Heart Failure Irreversible?

Heart failure is not a disorder itself, but a problem caused by various heart conditions. Early detected heart failure can be alleviated by diet control and medication. In certain circumstances, the implantation of a pacemaker can help patients to regulate their heartbeat. However, in a more advanced case, heart failure is more difficult to treat. It is therefore considered by many to be an irreversible disease, which in the worst scenario may require a heart transplant.

Are violent coughing and insomnia caused by heart failure? 

Due to the decline in heart function, blood accumulates in the heart, resulting in pulmonary oedema (fluid in the lungs). The mucus in the lungs irritates the lung mucosa, causing coughing and shortness of breath. As the lungs are filled with liquid, patients will experience great discomfort when they lie down. They can only sleep with their head elevated, or even to the extent that the patient has to sleep sitting up, resulting in insomnia.

Treatment and Prevention of Heart Failure

If a patient suffers from coronary heart disease, the most common surgical procedure is Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), also known as angioplasty. PCI utilises a catheter to open up the blocked arteries with a balloon and a stent. After the procedure, patients should also improve their diet and lifestyle, otherwise, the blood vessel may be blocked again.

To prevent heart failure, it is important to maintain an ideal body weight, have a healthy and balanced diet, reduce salt intake, and develop an exercise habit. These measures can prevent the Three Highs (high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar) from affecting the health of blood vessels and the heart.