what happens to the lungs during a heart attack
Having other health problems, such as heart failure or an abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) may also trigger a flare-up. In some cases, the cause is not known. Here's what happens during an attack: 1  Your lungs may suddenly produce more mucus.2  Or the airways of your lungs (bronchial tubes) may suddenly get narrower. 3  These two things reduce the airflow in your lungs. 4  And that makes it harder to breathe and makes your coughing worse. Your lungs may suddenly produce more mucus. 2  Or the airways of your lungs (bronchial tubes) may suddenly get narrower. 3  These two things reduce the airflow in your lungs. 4  And that makes it harder to breathe and makes your coughing worse.