Fact 6. Beyond the Brain: The Heart’s Role in Chronic SVD
The heart and brain have a partnership like no other. Any disruption in the heart’s functioning can reverberate throughout the body, and particularly the brain. One such heart condition, atrial fibrillation (AF), can set the stage for chronic SVD.
AF, characterized by irregular and often rapid heart rate, can lead to the formation of blood clots. When these clots travel to the brain, they can block the small blood vessels, leading to chronic SVD. Picture the heart as a bustling city, and AF as a traffic disruption. This congestion can cause a ripple effect, causing complications in far-off areas, in this case, the brain.
While AF can contribute to chronic SVD, it’s worth mentioning that the relationship isn’t a one-to-one correlation. Not all AF patients will develop chronic SVD, and not all chronic SVD cases are linked to AF. The relationship is a complex one, with other factors also at play.
Despite the murky waters of the AF-chronic SVD link, one fact remains clear: managing heart health can help safeguard brain health. Recognizing this interconnectedness provides an avenue for potentially mitigating the impact of chronic SVD. (6)
