An allergic reaction starts when the immune system attacks harmless things like pollen, dust, and visible molds and starts producing substances that actually generate inflammation like histamine, which are the reason for swollen, itchy eyelids, sneezing, congested nose, and extreme sighing. The histamine reaction is the immune system working properly, and while the symptoms are bothersome, the inflammation that happens because of it is the main reason why cardiologists are concerned.
The inflammation response will not only be limited to the nose and sinuses. Studies have shown that the immune response to allergens sends signals throughout the entire system which leads to chronic inflammation. This type of inflammation is a recognized risk for the the addition and progression of heart disease. And with chronic or moderate allergic episodes, the stress on the blood vessels and heart will add up over time.
The cardiovascular link research and findings
Recently emerging studies show strong connecting links between the cardiovascular system and seasonal allergies. One large study discovered that the population with hay fever had a 25% increased risk of coronary artery disease, while a 20% increased risk of heart attack, and the risk is even greater for asthmatics: up to 36% increased risk of heart disease, especially after having recently suffered an asthma attack.
Substantial evidence has shown that allergic disorders affect the prevalence of hypertension (i.e. high blood pressure) as well as heart disease in different populations. One of the studies showed that allergy symptoms on a daily basis tend to increase resting heart rate as well as blood pressure, and in a pronounced manner, during Southern California’s spring and autumn seasons when there are high pollen counts.
During the process of allergic reactions, certain inflammatory substances that are released can also facilitate the narrowing and hardening of the arteries, which increase the chances of having a heart attack or a stroke. The symptoms of an allergy that are termed a mediated response arise from the inflammatory substances released and blood vessels are signaled to reduce in size, which may increase blood pressure as well as the workload on the heart.
How Allergies Aggravate Heart Symptoms
The negative impact of seasonal allergies on cardiovascular health is much more pronounced for individuals who have certain preexisting heart conditions. In lot of instances, the common phenomenon of Severe allergy attacks along with chronic congestion can:
– Increase the blood pressure and heart rate (sometimes, very drastically)
– Increase the risk of having an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
– Exacerbate the already existing condition of fatigue and physical inactivity, as a result, heart health is negatively impacted.
– Increase the likelihood of experiencing windedness or discomfort in the chest along with heart palpitations—symptoms that are more often associated with heart problems.
– Result in the loss of sleep that is very critical for the rejuvenation of heart health.
Certain allergy medications such as some antihistamines and decongestants may have cardiovascular side effects. In particular, decongestants may increase blood pressure and heart rate. Heart patients should also remember to ask their doctor about their other allergy medications before starting new ones.
Inflammation of Allergies and the Progression of Heart Disease
Allergic disease is now understood to be systemic in nature, involving inflammation that starts in the sinuses or lungs and circulates to the heart, blood vessels, and bone marrow. It is also known that chronic inflammation speeds the rate of plaque accumulation along the arterial walls and also destabilizes existing plaque, risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.Preexisting allergic conditions uh, like allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma, increases inflammatory markers and restrict physical activity (due to breathing trouble), increases medication use, and decreases well-being, which has negative effects on cardiovascular health.
Southern California Risks: Regional Indicators
Residents of Southern California suffer from increased allergen concentration due to the environmental conditions of, the relatively warm winters, the early springs and Santa Ana winds which increases the level of pollen and dust. This increases the length of the months allergenic season and the severity of symptoms, especially in certain populations such as the elderly and cardiac patients.
Patients experience an increase in the severity of the allergic season, and also experience an increase in blood pressure and cardiac symptoms. This uh, conjunction of symptoms meets the experience of allergists and cardiologists.
Practical Strategies for Westwood Residents
Dr. Tehrani suggests the strategy of proactive management of allergies to patients with cardiovascular disease.
– Monitor symptoms: During the season of the year with the highest level of pollen, the patients are asked to maintain a diary of the symptoms of allergy and heart problems.
– Follow prescribed treatments: Take allergy medications as instructed. Discuss with your cardiac doctor before taking any over the counter medications.
– Limit outdoor activity when pollen counts are high: Refer to local pollen forecasts and schedule outdoor activities when the amount of allergens in the air are at their lowest.
– Refuge Indoors: Using air filters, cleaning floors and bedding, and keeping windows shut on high pollen days will aid allergenic patients.
– Safe Staying Active: If exercise is restricted, speak with your physician regarding indoor alternatives or gentle form of stretching.
– Elder Coordinating Care: Confer with both the allergist and cardiologist to form a holistic strategy comprising allergy and heart health.
– Increased Fluid Intake: Allergies can lead to dehydration which in turn puts further strain on the heart.
– Habit Correction: Anti-inflammatory diets including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains lessen the effects of ongoing inflammation.
Conclusion: Integrated Care for Allergy and Heart Wellness
Patients with heart problems living in Westwood, CA, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and a few other locations may not realize how much more serious the problem is underneath the surface and how much the comfort of seasonal allergies comes at the mild consequences of heart health.
Cardiovascular risks can easily be mitigated through coordinated care which is what patients of Dr. Maria Tehrani receive.
Being proactive at all times of the year and in particular allergy season is a form of managed care.
Cardiovascular health comes first through knowledge and action. Protection against sneezes and sniffles is not a target, but to maintain vascular health through all lifetime phases.
