Heart-lung symptoms and blood pressure
Cardiopulmonary symptoms refer to a range of signs and symptoms that can indicate problems with your heart or lungs. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can be caused by a number of different conditions. If you experience any of the symptoms described below, it's important to make an appointment with a doctor for a thorough assessment.


Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnoea, is a feeling of having difficulty breathing. This can happen both during physical activity or at rest. There are many causes, from heart failure to asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Chest pain
Chest pain or discomfort can be related to the heart, but also to other parts of the body, such as the abdomen or muscles. It is important to distinguish between the different types of pain to identify the possible cause.
Typical symptoms of cardiopulmonary disease
- Shortness of breath (Dyspnea): A feeling of having difficulty breathing, which can occur during physical activity, at rest, or both.
- Chest pain: Pain or discomfort in the chest area can be a sign of heart problems such as angina or heart attack, but can also be due to other causes such as muscle tension or digestive problems.
- Cough: A persistent cough, especially one that produces white or pink frothy mucus, can be a sign of heart failure. Coughs can also be related to the lungs, as in bronchitis or pneumonia.
- Wheezing: A wheezing sound when breathing can indicate a narrowing or blockage in the lungs.
- Swollen legs and feet (Edema): Fluid build-up in the legs and feet can be a sign of heart failure.
- Fatigue: Overwhelming tiredness or weakness can be a sign of heart problems or lung disease.
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia): An irregular heartbeat can feel like a fluttering in the chest or as if the heart is skipping beats.
- Pale or bluish skin color: This can be a sign of low blood oxygen levels, which can be caused by problems with the heart or lungs.
- Dizziness or fainting: This can be related to heart problems, low blood pressure, or other causes.
- Lip or nails turning blue: This is a sign of low blood oxygen levels and can indicate a problem with the lungs or heart.
Coughing and wheezing
A persistent cough or wheeze can be a sign of lung disease. It can also be a symptom of heart failure, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath or fatigue.
Swollen legs and feet
Fluid retention, also known as edema, can cause swelling, especially in the legs and feet. This can be a sign of heart failure or other heart conditions.
Fatigue and weakness
Feeling constantly tired, even after a good night's sleep, can be a symptom of heart problems. It's important to listen to your body and seek medical attention if fatigue persists.
Changes in blood pressure
Blood pressure is the force your blood exerts against the walls of your arteries. Too high or too low blood pressure can be a sign of various cardiopulmonary conditions. Regularly checking your blood pressure is important to monitor your cardiopulmonary health.
Frequently asked questions
If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or unusual fatigue, you should seek medical attention immediately. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
Yes, stress can contribute to heart problems and high blood pressure. It's important to manage stress in healthy ways, such as meditation, exercise and healthy eating.
Normal blood pressure for most adults is around 120/80 mm Hg. Numbers above 140/90 mm Hg are generally considered high blood pressure.
Although coughing is often associated with lung disease, it can also be a symptom of heart failure, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath or fatigue.