A concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), has been linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). This connection raises concerns about the potential for concussions to indirectly contribute to heart attacks. However, while there is growing evidence that concussions may elevate the risk of conditions that can lead to heart complications, current research does not establish a direct link between concussions and heart attacks.
Understanding the Connection
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when the heart’s blood supply is insufficient. Doctors from the Advanced Cardiovascular Center in Buckeye believe that there is no direct evidence linking concussions to heart attacks. They reported that concussions may raise the risk of other cardiovascular conditions that could potentially lead to this serious complication.
A 2023 cohort study conducted in Taiwan found that individuals who experienced any type of TBI, including concussions, had a slightly increased risk of developing chronic cardiovascular disease and heart failure. These conditions, in turn, can raise the likelihood of a heart attack. The study described the increased risk as “modest but significant.”
Another study in Taiwan found an increased risk of heart dysfunction within a year following a TBI compared to a control group, regardless of the injury’s severity. These findings suggest a link between brain injuries and cardiovascular health, but doctors performing cardiac care in Buckeye revealed that more research is needed to fully understand the connection.
How Concussions Might Affect the Heart
The exact mechanisms by which concussions or TBIs might influence cardiovascular health are not fully understood. Some researchers hypothesize that the surge in catecholamines and inflammatory compounds following a brain injury could play a role. Catecholamines are brain chemicals, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine, that the body produces in response to stress. These chemicals can affect heart activity, potentially leading to complications.
Heart Rate Changes After Concussion
A typical adult’s heart rate ranges between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm) while resting. However, individual heart rates can vary depending on age and overall health. After a concussion, some individuals may experience changes in their heart rate. Tachycardia, or a high heart rate, can occur due to the stress of the injury or as a result of paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH), which causes an increase in heart rate, along with other symptoms such as higher body temperature, rapid breathing, and sweating.
Conversely, some individuals may experience bradycardia, a decrease in heart rate. These changes in heart rate often resolve as the individual recovers from the concussion. However, the doctors performing cardiac care in Buckeye revealed that concussions can potentially affect the cardiovascular system.
Other Cardiovascular Effects of Concussions
In addition to heart rate changes, concussions may impact the cardiovascular system in other ways. For instance, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a condition in which the heart rate increases rapidly after changing positions. Symptoms of POTS can include dizziness, lightheadedness, chest pain, heart palpitations, and fainting.
A 2022 review of 268 individuals with concussions found that 7% experienced POTS-like symptoms following their injury. Interestingly, POTS typically affects children and females more often, but in this review, the symptoms affected people of all ages and sexes equally. This finding led researchers to suggest that POTS and postconcussive orthostatic tachycardia might be distinct conditions.
Recognizing Concussion Red Flags
Recognizing the red flags of a concussion is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), signs of a serious concussion may include:
- One pupil is larger than the other
- A headache that worsens progressively
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly
- Confusion or agitation
- Convulsions or seizures
- Slurred speech, lack of coordination, numbness, or weakness
- Repeated vomiting
If any of these symptoms occur following a head injury, it is essential to consult doctors from the Advanced Cardiovascular Center in Buckeye immediately.
Conclusion
Most adults (up to 90%) who sustain a concussion recover within 10 to 14 days. However, the long-term impact on heart health remains unclear. As research in this area is ongoing, there is no definitive data on whether treating a concussion will prevent cardiovascular complications.While concussions may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart failure, or heart dysfunction, there is no current evidence directly linking them to heart attacks. Prompt medical attention for a concussion is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment by experts from the Advanced Cardiovascular Center. With appropriate care, the prognosis is often positive.
