Have you noticed more adults around you being diagnosed with asthma seemingly out of nowhere? Maybe you or someone you love has started experiencing wheezing, shortness of breath, or that persistent, nagging cough that just won’t go away. What if I told you that these symptoms might not just be about your lungs? What if they’re actually a signal from your heart?
In this week’s episode of Feel Better, Feel Great, we’re diving into the surprising connection between adult-onset asthma and heart disease. This is a topic that’s close to my heart (pun intended) because I’ve seen so many patients go years with misdiagnosed symptoms, only to find out the true root cause much later. Let’s break this down together so you can feel empowered to advocate for your health.
The Rise in Adult-Onset Asthma
Asthma has always been a part of the health landscape, but here’s the thing: more adults than ever are being diagnosed with asthma for the first time in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. According to the CDC, nearly 25 million Americans have asthma, and adult-onset cases are climbing rapidly.
What’s more alarming is that up to 30% of adults diagnosed with asthma may actually have an underlying heart condition that’s causing their symptoms. That’s one in three people who might be treating a respiratory issue that isn’t respiratory at all.
In this episode, I explore how symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness can overlap with heart conditions—and what you need to know to protect yourself.
Is It Really Asthma?
Let’s talk about what adult-onset asthma looks like. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent coughing, especially at night.
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
- Tightness in the chest that doesn’t seem to let up.
These symptoms are frustrating enough on their own, but what if they’re not really asthma? Conditions like cardiac asthma, pulmonary hypertension, and even atrial fibrillation (AFib) can mimic asthma almost perfectly. For example:
- Cardiac Asthma happens when fluid builds up in the lungs due to heart failure, causing wheezing and shortness of breath.
- Pulmonary Hypertension creates high blood pressure in the lungs, leading to breathlessness and fatigue.
- AFib—an irregular heartbeat—can leave you feeling exhausted and struggling to catch your breath.
In many cases, these conditions go undiagnosed for far too long because the symptoms overlap so much with traditional asthma.
The Inflammation Connection
Now, let’s zoom out for a second. What do asthma and heart disease have in common? The answer lies in chronic inflammation.
Inflammation is like a fire burning in your body—it can start small, but if left unchecked, it spreads and causes damage. Risk factors like obesity, smoking, and poor diet fuel this fire, making conditions like asthma and heart disease worse. In the podcast, I talk more about how addressing inflammation through lifestyle changes can benefit both your lungs and your heart.
Research supports this connection. A recent narrative review published in the National Library of Medicine explores the link between adult asthma and coronary artery disease, highlighting how chronic inflammation plays a role in both conditions. If you’ve been diagnosed with asthma as an adult, it’s worth considering this research and discussing it with your doctor to ensure a proper evaluation of your heart health.
A Real-Life Example
One story from my practice that sticks with me is about a 45-year-old woman who was diagnosed with adult-onset asthma after struggling with symptoms for years. She tried inhalers, lifestyle changes, even allergy medications, but nothing seemed to work. Finally, after some comprehensive testing, we discovered that her "asthma" was actually a symptom of heart failure.
This kind of misdiagnosis happens more often than you’d think, and it’s why I’m so passionate about getting to the root cause of symptoms. If you’re not finding relief with traditional treatments, it might be time to ask: Could this be something more?
Why Misdiagnosis Happens
The truth is, healthcare providers don’t always connect the dots between asthma and heart disease. This isn’t about blame—it’s about awareness. Tools like echocardiograms, pulmonary function tests, and inflammation markers can make a huge difference in identifying the true cause of your symptoms.
In the podcast, I share more about these diagnostic tools and how you can advocate for the right tests during your doctor’s visit.
What You Can Do Today
You don’t need to wait for answers. Here are some steps you can take today to protect your health:
1. Ask for Comprehensive Testing.
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- If you’ve been diagnosed with adult-onset asthma, request tests that check for underlying heart issues, like an echocardiogram or cardiometabolic panel.
2. Monitor Your Key Metrics.
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- Keep an eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight. These are all clues to your overall health.
3. Adopt Heart-Healthy Habits.
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- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet rich in leafy greens, berries, and omega-3s.
Move your body regularly—exercise benefits both your lungs and your heart.
Avoid smoking and minimize exposure to poor air quality.
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet rich in leafy greens, berries, and omega-3s.
4. Listen to Your Body.
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- If you notice symptoms like persistent fatigue, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, don’t ignore them.
Why This Matters
Adult-onset asthma might seem like a straightforward diagnosis, but it’s often more complex than it appears. By digging deeper into your symptoms and understanding the asthma-heart disease connection, you can take control of your health and possibly catch heart issues before they become serious.
Listen to the Full Episode
This week’s episode of Feel Better, Feel Great is packed with insights and actionable steps to help you understand the rise of adult-onset asthma and its connection to heart disease. I share real-life examples, diagnostic tips, and strategies to protect your health.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsor
A huge thank-you to Vitality Health RX for sponsoring this episode. Their heart health supplement, Cardio Protect, is a great addition to any heart-healthy lifestyle. Check it out at shopvrx.com.
Join the Conversation
Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with asthma as an adult? Share your story and if this information resonated with you, please share it with a friend—it could make all the difference.
Your health is in your hands, and knowledge is the first step. Let’s take it together.