Comorbidity to Cardiovascular Diseases
Patients with MS may not be aware of their increased risk of cardiovascular disease owing to factors such as inactivity caused by difficulty utilizing muscles, mental health problems, and a focus on other health issues that need treatment.
In females, MS increases their risk of cardiovascular conditions, including heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. Complications in MS may include hypertension, hypotension, arrhythmia, abnormal left ventricular systolic function, pulmonary congestion, and cardiomyopathy. Increased brain imaging abnormalities and MS symptoms’ severity have been linked to elevated triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels. Weak chest muscles due to nerve damage may cause shallow breathing and a lack of oxygen.
Researchers have hypothesized that genetic changes linked to MS have also shown associations between inflammation and heart disease. These results may also be influenced by the overlapping risk factors of MS and CVD, including smoking and obesity. In fact, MS is associated with an increased risk of CVD hospitalization in the first year after diagnosis.
Physicians suggest that early diagnosis of cardiovascular impairments might be crucial for initiating preventive care in MS patients. Regular physical exercise and physical treatment may minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve the quality of life for those with MS.
