The Link Between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Cardiovascular Diseases: Expert Advice from Cardiologist-Vera Stepanova

Difficult situations should be avoided, and in the case of chronic fatigue syndrome, consult a doctor immediately. Chronic fatigue of the body can lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases, especially one of the most dangerous types of arrhythmia – atrial fibrillation. Cardiologist-arrhythmologist and cardiovascular surgeon Vera Stepanova told Vechernaya Moskva about this.

On May 12, the world celebrates the Day to Fight Chronic Fatigue. And recently scientists published studywho proved that chronic fatigue is a systemic disease, and not a psychiatric illness, as was previously believed.

Chronic fatigue affects all areas of a person’s life and hits the heart particularly hard.

– Due to the lack of regular strength, a person cannot spend time on physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the main factors in the development of cardiovascular diseases, including arrhythmias. Our heart needs physical activity to function properly and maintain tone,” explained Stepanova.

According to the doctor, chronic fatigue is often also associated with high levels of stress and emotional exhaustion. And the latter, in turn, leads to increased production of stress hormones – cortisol and adrenaline, which increases the heart rate.

Due to the chronic negative effects of stress factors, a person is very likely to develop atrial fibrillation (AF). This disease increases the risk of heart failure three times, the risk of stroke five times, and mortality from cardiovascular causes twice. Therefore, chronic fatigue and AF should be taken into account and treatment should not be delayed.

In addition, according to the cardiologist, chronic fatigue leads to eating disorders. A person needs more carbohydrates faster, so he begins to maintain fast food and sweets to please himself. These are high-calorie foods that lead to weight gain and problems with the cardiovascular system.

In particular, excess weight causes high blood pressure – a risk factor for stroke and coronary heart disease. Obesity often leads to type 2 diabetes, which greatly increases the risk of developing heart disease, including stroke.

Dr. Stepanova also noted that chronic fatigue has a significant impact on sleep quality, including the development of sleep apnea. This syndrome, in turn, also promotes the development of atrial fibrillation and other diseases.

The doctor strongly recommended not to ignore alarming symptoms, including fatigue that does not go away after rest, disturbances in sleep and eating habits. She noted that any failure in the human body can lead to serious consequences, so it is better to consult a doctor in a timely manner to receive treatment and enjoy life without fatigue and pain.

Vera Stepanova also said that if there is any abnormal sensation in the heart, for example, an increase in the heartbeat, a flow in the chest, pain in the chest, you should contact a cardiologist or an arrhythmologist immediately. The doctor will be able to check the condition of the patient’s heart to make sure that his health is not in danger.