Have you ever wondered why you sweat even when it's cool outside? Increased sweating may not just be a reaction of the body to heat or physical activity, but also a signal of heart problems.
In the early stages of heart and vascular diseases, nonspecific symptoms often arise. They can be so minor that they do not cause concern. For example, increased sweating may sometimes seem like a normal reaction to stress or heat, but in reality, it can signal serious problems. Alexander Ostashkov, a therapist, cardiologist, and gastroenterologist, explained how to recognize such signs and understand their significance for health.
Sweating and Heart Diseases: A Hidden Threat
Sweat is a fluid secreted by special glands. It consists mainly of water but also contains salts, minerals, and other substances. The primary function of sweat is thermoregulation. When body temperature rises, sweat helps cool the skin, thereby regulating body temperature.
However, sweating can occur not only during physical exertion or in hot weather. Its appearance can also be a signal of problems. It deserves attention if it becomes excessive and occurs at rest, without any visible reason. Even in the early stages of disease development, the body sends signals, and the key is to learn to notice and correctly interpret them. A doctor can help with this.
Increased sweating can be associated with various heart and vascular diseases. This symptom may appear in the early stages of pathology and accompany already chronic conditions.
1. Ischemic Heart Disease
This condition occurs when the heart does not receive enough oxygen due to the narrowing of the coronary arteries. Ischemic heart disease is often associated with atherosclerosis, where plaques form on the walls of blood vessels, obstructing their lumen. As a result, tissues receive fewer nutrients and less oxygen.
Ischemic heart disease can manifest as chest pain, shortness of breath, and, of course, increased sweating. This symptom arises from a lack of oxygen, prompting the body to activate protective mechanisms. Patients report that they are literally drenched in sweat.
2. Angina Pectoris
This is a form of ischemic heart disease. The pathology is characterized by episodes of chest pain that may be accompanied by sweating — cold sweat appears on the skin.
The disease is most often associated with the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. The pain manifests and intensifies during physical or emotional stress. Symptoms subside at rest or after taking nitroglycerin.
3. Atherosclerosis
This disease involves the narrowing of blood vessel lumens. This is related to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which also occur due to excess "bad" cholesterol in the blood.
The heart and other tissues do not receive enough oxygen, causing the tissues to work at their limits. As a result, shortness of breath and increased sweating occur.
It is important to note that atherosclerosis can exist for a long time without pronounced symptoms, and those that do exist, such as sweating, may go unnoticed.
4. Arterial Hypertension
This condition is characterized by persistent high blood pressure. Hypertension has many symptoms. One of them is increased sweating. In hypertension, it becomes harder for the heart to pump blood. Oxygen deprivation is a stress for the body, leading to increased sweating. Sweating in the context of the disease often goes unnoticed.
5. Hypertensive Crisis
This is a sudden increase in blood pressure — above 200 mm Hg. Such a condition can be life-threatening. During a hypertensive crisis, sweating may be one of the first signs, with numbers rising almost simultaneously and other symptoms appearing, requiring medical assistance.
Sweating as a Sign of Emerging Problems
Increased sweating can not only indicate existing problems but also predispose to their development. For example, in women during menopause, when hormone levels change, sweating may increase due to hot flashes.
Due to decreased production of sex hormones — estrogens, the hypothalamus, which is responsible for thermoregulation, mistakenly perceives normal temperature as elevated and triggers the corresponding response — sweating. Hot flashes are referred to as so-called vasomotor reactions, which also affect the functioning of blood vessels. Such excessive training of blood vessels places increased stress on the heart and blood vessels and raises the risks of diseases.
Increased sweating can be a symptom of various conditions and diseases. It is important to remember that it may indicate heart problems. This symptom should not be ignored. If you notice that you are sweating more than usual, especially at rest, it is worth consulting a therapist or cardiologist.
