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I have AF, but developed a severe cough at night, every night, and can no longer sleep laying down.

A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member asked a question 💭
Poole, UK

I have had AF for many years, but it is not too bad, I am 76. Live in the UK, and take Apixaban, Bisoprolol, Dapagliflozin, Atorvastatin, Omeprazole. Apart from AF, I have been lucky with my health.

I have developed a cough at night for 2 years now, and it is getting worse, and now impossible to get a night's sleep, even with many pillows. It is now chronic at night, I have to get up about 3 or 4 am, and it could affect my health
I did recently have a hernia operation, I was worried what… read more

June 8
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Reactions
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

Ian, this is not right. Have you seen the surgeon or your regular doctor about this situation returning? I have Afib and a cough, but this cough is due to heart failure. A new inhaler has really helped me. This needs a medical solution that we are not qualified to give you here on the site. I feel for you since sleep eludes many of us, and I pray you find a solution soon. Keep us posted because I am interested in finding out what the doctors tell you. Keeping you in my prayers. 🙏

June 9
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

I demanded a prescription change from my Doctor due to a persistent cough. Research your medications AND any interactions with the drugs. Beware the cough medicines. Read the side effects and possible interactions with other medications you use. A second opinion is NEVER a bad idea!

June 8
MyHeartDiseaseTeam

What could be causing a chronic nightly cough in someone with AF, and could it be linked to heart health or medications?

This is a really important situation that deserves proper medical attention — a two-year worsening cough that disrupts sleep every night is not something to manage alone, especially at 76 with AF.

There Show Full Answer

What could be causing a chronic nightly cough in someone with AF, and could it be linked to heart health or medications?

This is a really important situation that deserves proper medical attention — a two-year worsening cough that disrupts sleep every night is not something to manage alone, especially at 76 with AF.

There are a couple of things worth flagging here. First, a persistent dry cough (sometimes with mucus) that worsens when lying down can be a symptom worth investigating in the context of heart health. It's something a cardiologist should know about. Second — and this is quite significant — Bisoprolol (a beta-blocker) is a known contributor to sleep disruption and can also cause a dry cough as a side effect in some people. The fact that the cough disappeared for three weeks after antibiotics is an interesting clue worth sharing with a doctor.

Some of the medications being taken can also affect sleep in other ways:

- Bisoprolol can lower melatonin, causing sleep difficulties and vivid dreams
- Atorvastatin has, in rare cases, been linked to muscle discomfort that disrupts sleep
- ACE inhibitors (not currently listed, but worth knowing) are notorious for causing a dry cough — though Apixaban is not in that category

The temporary relief from antibiotics suggests there may be an underlying issue that responded to treatment and has since returned. That pattern is really worth discussing urgently with a GP or cardiologist. In the meantime, while waiting for medical advice, here are a few things that may help with sleep:

- Elevating the head of the bed rather than just using pillows (which can cause neck strain) — bed risers under the headboard legs can help
- Avoiding heavy meals in the evening, as this can worsen nighttime coughing
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime
- Keeping the bedroom air moist with a humidifier, which can soothe a dry cough

Please do push for an urgent GP appointment and ask specifically about whether any current medications could be contributing to the cough, and whether the heart should be re-evaluated given the nighttime symptoms. Two years is a long time to suffer through this, and there may well be a solution available.

June 8
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

Thank you, but this is actually quoite serious now and I am consulting the hospital

June 11
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

For temporary relief until you get a better solution - what has often helped me is the good old-fashioned Vicks Vapor Rub - just a tiny swish under the nose and a bit rubbed in on the chest. If you haven't tried it, may be worth a shot for some relief from the coughing, although you will probably want to wash it off in the morning.

June 11

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