6. Cardiac Complications: The Heart’s Hurdles in hEDS
The heart, our tireless pump, is surprisingly vulnerable in those with hEDS. While heart structure often remains intact, it’s the surrounding connective tissues that can raise concerns. Issues like mitral valve prolapse, where the valve bulges backward slightly during each heartbeat, are more common.
These abnormalities, while often mild, can cause palpitations, chest discomfort, and sometimes even fainting spells. The heart’s rhythm might be affected too. Some individuals experience an accelerated heartbeat upon standing, a condition called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
Holistic heart care, focusing on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, can help in reducing the impact of these symptoms. Monitoring, both self and medical, becomes crucial to ensure the heart remains in harmony. (6)
