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Persistent Asthma and Heart Disease: What's the Connection?
Asthma may seem like a lung-only disease. However, its chronic symptoms can impact other aspects of your health. Your cardiovascular health is a prime example.
Fortunately, a solid management plan can lower your risk for asthma-related concerns.
At her office in Valencia, California, Dr. Maricar Cutillar-Garcia provides customized asthma care plans to help you lead a full and healthy life.
Since February is American Heart Month, it’s a good time to learn more about asthma and heart disease, including ways to protect your overall health.
Persistent asthma symptoms
Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease that narrows your airways, making breathing challenging. Some types of asthma are only triggered by things like allergies, exercise, or sleep.
When you have persistent asthma, you experience symptoms more often, with flare-ups occurring more than twice per week.
Asthma causes symptoms similar to upper respiratory infections, such as:
- Chest pain, pressure, or tightness
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Without treatment, persistent asthma can also interfere with sleep and drain your energy, leading you to feel exhausted and fatigued.
The link between persistent asthma and heart disease
Having asthma may increase your risk for heart disease. A 2022 study linked persistent asthma with heightened inflammation markers and arterial plaque levels. Both inflammation and plaque contribute to cardiovascular conditions, such as coronary artery disease, blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.
While the link isn’t fully understood, experts suspect that lung inflammation can spread to other organs, including the heart, through blood.
How to protect your heart health
Staying on top of your asthma care can go a long way in protecting your overall health. That includes lowering your risk for heart disease associated with chronic or unmanaged asthma.
Your customized asthma treatment plan from Dr. Cutillar-Garcia may include the following:
- Identifying and avoiding your asthma triggers
- Using an inhaler when symptoms flare up
- Taking medication to prevent throat inflammation
Routine exercise can help minimize your asthma symptoms while improving your heart health. Dr. Cutillar-Garcia can provide asthma-friendly workout guidance based on your symptoms.
Other heart-healthy practices include cultivating healthy sleep habits, managing stress, and scheduling annual physicals. Routine blood pressure tests detect hypertension, which can be life-threatening and asymptomatic.
A diet emphasizing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, oily fish, and flaxseeds can enhance cardiovascular health and limit inflammation.
To learn more about persistent asthma complications or get started with personalized support, call our office or book an appointment with Dr. Cutillar-Garcia through our website today.