8. Heart Palpitations – The Unsettling Flutter of CAD
Heart palpitations, experienced as rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeats, can be a distressing symptom for those with CAD. They often come without warning, bringing a heightened awareness of one’s heartbeat. These palpitations can be a response to the decreased oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues, including the heart, due to the low red blood cell count characteristic of anemia in CAD.
These sensations of fluttering or pounding in the chest can be alarming and may be accompanied by shortness of breath or chest discomfort. They compel an immediate pause, demanding the individual to take a moment to rest and recover. Heart palpitations are not merely symptoms to be brushed off; they warrant careful evaluation to ensure that the heart is functioning correctly and that CAD is managed optimally.
For those facing CAD, palpitations are a sign that the heart is working harder to pump blood through the body. This can be due to the thickening of the blood from agglutinated red blood cells or from the strain of compensating for anemia. It’s a symptom that cannot be ignored, as it speaks to the core function of the circulatory system and the potential stress placed upon it by CAD.
Managing heart palpitations involves a collaborative approach with healthcare providers. It may include lifestyle modifications, such as stress management and avoidance of stimulants, along with medical interventions to address the anemia and prevent the agglutination of red blood cells. It’s a balancing act, one that focuses on maintaining heart health while also tackling the broader challenges of CAD. (8)
