Hoarse Voice Due to Heart Problems: Symptoms to Watch Out For

If you suddenly develop a hoarse voice and frequently feel like you're choking, don't just dismiss it as a common cold symptom or a problem with your larynx. A recent study revealed that a 70-year-old man who complained of hoarseness without any specific pain was found to have a heart condition. It's crucial to be aware that a hoarse voice can sometimes be a sign of a serious health issue.

What is Ortner's Syndrome?

According to a case published by PSG Institute of Medical Sciences & Research in India, a 76-year-old man was admitted with progressively worsening hoarseness and difficulty swallowing. This patient had a history of cardiovascular procedures and had been a smoker for 30 years. Detailed examinations revealed a massive aneurysm in his thoracic aorta, which was compressing the recurrent laryngeal nerve, leading to voice changes. Cardiovascular diseases that cause such vocal cord paralysis are known as Ortner's Syndrome.

Why Does the Voice Change?

The left recurrent laryngeal nerve, which controls our voice, doesn't go directly from the brain to the neck. Instead, it travels down to the chest, loops around the aortic arch, and then returns to the neck. If the aorta enlarges or there are heart problems, this nerve can become compressed. When the nerve is pressed, the vocal cords cannot move properly, resulting in a hoarse voice and impaired swallowing. This often leads to food entering the airway.

Who Should Be Wary of These Symptoms?

Aortic aneurysms are very dangerous conditions; a tear or rupture can be fatal. However, these conditions often present without distinct symptoms like pain or shortness of breath. Certain high-risk groups should be particularly vigilant:

• Individuals who have undergone heart procedures
• Patients with high blood pressure
• Elderly individuals with atherosclerosis
• Long-term smokers

If you fall into these categories and notice a change in your voice, don't take it lightly. It's advisable to visit an ENT specialist for a thorough examination. If hoarseness persists for more than two weeks without a clear cause, or if you experience difficulty swallowing, seek medical attention immediately.

Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment are Key

Hoarseness can stem from various causes. The most common culprits are ENT conditions like the common cold, laryngitis, or vocal cord nodules. Therefore, when your voice changes, the first step should be to consult an ENT specialist for a laryngoscopy. If this examination reveals no specific issues with the vocal cords, but you belong to a high-risk group, a chest CT scan is necessary to check for cardiovascular problems.

Treatment for vocal cord paralysis caused by an aortic aneurysm can restore your voice, but the outcome depends on how long the nerve was compressed and the extent of the damage. Early intervention to relieve the pressure increases the chances of recovery. However, if the nerve has been compressed for a prolonged period, complete recovery may be difficult, potentially requiring additional treatments like vocal fold injection.

Ultimately, a change in voice might be more than just a simple symptom. It's essential to pay close attention to your body for the sake of your overall health.