Can Asthma Increase My Risk for Heart Disease?

Although researchers always seem to want more information, several credible studies have found a link between asthma and cardiovascular disease.

One such study followed 3,612 participants for 35 years and recommended listing asthma as a risk factor for heart disease due to an increased incidence of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

Our team at Allergy A.R.T.S. in Amarillo, Texas, specializes in diagnosing and managing asthma. Our providers work hard to design a customized treatment strategy that effectively controls asthma while preventing flare-ups that may be driven by underlying causes such as untreated allergies.

The connection between asthma and heart disease may seem murky at first glance, but check these facts from our team before you dismiss the notion.

Understanding the link between asthma and heart disease

Asthma is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to respiratory distress.

While primarily a lung condition, poorly controlled asthma can influence your cardiovascular health in many ways:

Chronic inflammation

Inflammation is a key factor in both asthma and heart disease. Persistent inflammation in the body, which is common in poorly controlled asthma, can damage blood vessels and contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, which causes here plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Medication side effects

Chronic use of certain asthma medications, such as systemic corticosteroids for frequent asthma flares, can lead to side effects like increased blood pressure, weight gain, and elevated blood sugar levels, all of which increase your risk of heart disease.

Sleep and oxygen levels

Asthma symptoms often worsen at night, disrupting sleep and reducing oxygen levels in the blood. Chronic sleep disturbances and low oxygen levels can strain the heart, leading to potential long-term complications.

Shared risk factors

Asthma and heart disease share common risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and stress. These factors can exacerbate both conditions, creating a challenging cycle to break.

Reducing your risk

If you have asthma, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of heart disease:

Manage asthma

Our team at Allergy ARTS develops a customized asthma action plan that includes maintenance medications to reduce asthma attacks, avoiding triggers, and monitoring for worsening symptoms.

Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle

You can help protect your heart by:

Exercising regularly

Engage in physical activity appropriate for your asthma level, such as walking, swimming, or yoga.

Eating a balanced diet

Poor nutrition affects heart health and is a leading cause of systemic inflammation. Focus on heart-friendly foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Avoiding smoking

Smoking can worsen asthma, is a leading cause of heart disease, and increases your risk of circulatory conditions such as peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Managing stress

Chronic stress can worsen asthma and increase cardiovascular risk. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help protect lung and heart health.

Monitoring other health conditions

Keep conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol under control. Regular check-ups can help catch these issues early.

Asthma and heart health are interconnected in more ways than one. Taking charge of both can pave the way for a better quality of life and long-term wellness.

Take a minute during American Heart Month to optimize your asthma care by scheduling a visit at Allergy A.R.T.S. today.