The Heart-Body Connection
12/25/2016
By Atta Shahbaz, M.D.
DYERSBURG, TN (December 26, 2016) – Heart disease is not always obvious. In fact, the first signs may appear in some other part of your body.
Because of the heart’s vital role in pumping blood, heart trouble can wreak havoc on many parts of the body. If you experience unexplained physical symptoms, such as tingling limbs, dizziness or fainting, pay attention—your heart may be trying to tell you something.
Some examples of the heart-body connection include:
- Circulation issues. When the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, poor circulation may cause effects all over the body. Peripheral arterial disease, for example, can cause weakness, skin that is cold to the touch, and cramping in the legs and feet. Other cardiovascular diseases can cause swelling, pain or numbness in the legs, ankles, feet or hands.
- Cognitive impairments. When the heart’s ability to deliver a steady supply of blood is hindered by disease, it can also impact brain function. For example, when heart failure reduces blood flow to the brain, it can lead to problems with thinking and memory. If heart failure is not treated promptly, the heart becomes weaker, and what started as a mild mental impairment may progress to vascular dementia.
- Fatigue. Unusual tiredness can happen for many reasons, but heart problems are a well-known cause. For instance, fatigue can begin to appear months before a heart attack, as an artery grows increasingly blocked. Fatigue can also be a warning sign of heart failure or heart rhythm disturbances, such as atrial fibrillation.
- Organ malfunctions. When the heart is not functioning properly, other organs may be affected. For example, low blood pressure due to heart failure can cause chronic kidney problems. Heart illnesses can also impact the intestines, liver and many other organs.
An annual checkup will allow your doctor to keep track of your heart health.
DON’T IGNORE THESE WARNING SIGNS
Many people expect heart disease to involve dramatic symptoms, such as crushing chest pain, but the signs can be much more subtle. Don’t brush off the following warning signs:
1. Anxiety
Heart attacks and other forms of cardiovascular disease that reduce blood flow to the heart can trigger feelings of anxiety and panic.
2. Dizziness
Heart failure and heart attack both reduce blood flow to the brain, which can lead to lightheadedness.
3. Fainting
Passing out occurs when blood pressure drops dramatically. Fainting is never normal and may be a sign of a heart rhythm disturbance (arrhythmia) or heart attack.
4. Persistent cough
A cough that worsens may be caused by fluid buildup in the lungs, a symptom of heart failure.
5. Tingling limbs
A “pins and needles” sensation in the arms and legs can hint at an impending heart attack.
If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately.
At Tennova, we offer a wide range of services designed to meet your health and wellness needs. Visit www.Tennova.com or call 1-855-TENNOVA (836-6682) to learn more about our services.
About the Author
Atta Shahbaz, M.D., specializes in cardiovascular disease and practices medicine at Tennova Cardiology-Dyersburg, located at 1716 Par Avenue, Suite C, in Dyersburg. He is a member of the medical staff at Tennova Healthcare – Dyersburg Regional. Dr. Shahbaz has been extensively involved in cardiovascular research, having his work selected for the Young Investigator Award presented by the Southern Society for Clinical Investigation and for the Young Clinician Scientist Award presented by its Cardiovascular Club. He has been published in the highly regarded J Cardiovasc pharmacol in 2011 as well as a master class review on molecular pathways and cardioprotective strategies as they pertain to hypertensive heart disease in 2010.
Back