Description:  a productive cough producing frank blood or blood-tinged sputum

Some causes related to cardiovascular disease: severe heart failure, typically due to mitral stenosis, can produce hemoptysis.  More commonly, an acute pulmonary embolus (blood clot to the lungs) can be a cause.

Some causes related to other disorders: Many pulmonary disorders can produce hemoptysis.

Significance: This symptom generally is caused by a significant medical problem, and always needs to be evaluated by a physician.