What Casues Coughing During Atrial Fibrillation?

Posted on Thu, 21 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 21 Aug 2014 Answered on

Mon, 8 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Good afternoon, I have afib/aflutter and now have developed the "urge" to cough during an episode. Nomal? Thank you, XXXXXXX XXXX

Answered by Dr. Sukhvinder Singh (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes. there are 2 possibilities

Detailed Answer:
Respected madam,

Cough during an episode of atrial fibrillation (AF) may occur. This can be a manifestation of high pressure of left atrium secondary to conditions which cause high Left ventricular diastolic pressure and loss of atrial pump. This should usually be associated with some breathlessness. If you can detail or upload your ECHO (cardiac ultrasound ) report, I will be able to tell you more on this.
Second possibility may be related to simply a response to a different feeling of AF, where subject feels to clear off this feeling by coughing.
For clearing first possibility it is essential to consult your doctor to modify treatment plan. It would be better if you can detail duration, frequency and symptoms of AF along with concomitant medical conditions and treatment. I will be able to detail more on the issue.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju