Many athletes that do an intense workout will start losing their water intake through sweat and find ways to replenish their intracellular and extracellular levels by consuming electrolytes. Many methods can be done by consuming hydrated foods that provide nutrients for the intra-and extracellular levels or incorporating vitamins and minerals to reduce excess water intake and keep the cellular levels balanced. However, everyday factors such as elevated high blood pressure or chronic stress can cause the body to develop pain-like symptoms that can affect the body’s vital organs, muscles, and joints. One of the supplements that can help reduce the effects of high blood pressure is magnesium. In this 3-part series, we will look at how magnesium helps with blood pressure, how blood pressure affects the body, and the effects magnesium has on blood pressure. Part 1 looked at how magnesium corresponds with heart health. Part 3 looks at different foods that contain magnesium and improve overall health. We refer our patients to certified providers that consolidate many available treatments for many individuals suffering from low magnesium levels affecting the body and correlated to high blood pressure that affects the cardiovascular system. We encourage each patient by referring them to associated medical providers based on their diagnosis when it is appropriate. We understand that education is a fantastic way when asking our providers intricated questions at the patient’s request and understanding. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., only utilizes this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
Magnesium & Blood Pressure
Have you been dealing with unexplainable chest pains? What about experiencing high blood pressure from everyday stress? Or have you been dealing with heart issues? Many of these issues are correlated with cardiovascular disorders associated with low magnesium levels in the body. Now studies reveal that magnesium has several functions for the body as it is a co-factor to more than 300 enzymes in the body and has an important role. Magnesium’s properties in the body are that it helps with muscle contraction and neuromuscular conditioning, regulates glycemic control, and maintains normal blood pressure. To that point, consuming foods riched in magnesium or taking it in supplement form can help the body retain healthy hormones and replenish cellular levels from affecting the human body. However, many individuals don’t often consume the recommended amount of magnesium, leading to magnesium deficiency and causing many issues. Additional studies reveal that inadequate magnesium absorption can lead to potential risk factors that can affect the muscles, joints, and vital organs and cause an increase in blood pressure maintenance.
How Does Blood Pressure Affect The Body?
When the body is in motion, the systolic valves from the heart begin to pump blood to be transported throughout the body and allow the various muscle groups to work properly. However, many factors come into play and can become unnoticeable if not found and treated immediately. Studies reveal that the body can regulate blood pressure in the host when needed. This can vary from when a person is at a resting state or active state. The body is relaxed, and the blood pressure is low at a resting state. In an active state, the blood pressure is increased, and the body allows the blood flow to go into the muscles that need more blood intake. Now, what about if an individual is experiencing health issues and is experiencing high blood pressure? It can affect the body by increasing the risk of health problems and damaging blood vessels. Additional studies mentioned that hypertension combined with correlating factors could contribute to the development of cardiovascular disorders associated with low magnesium levels. So incorporating magnesium into the body can help reduce the related symptoms caused by elevated blood pressure can help lower the effects it has on the body and help reduce the symptoms.
A Look Into Magnesium
Biomedical physiologist Alex Jimenez mentions that magnesium also helps regulate our stress levels by decreasing the ex expectation of neurons. So that means that neurons aren’t going to fire as much. So when you want as jittery, you won’t be awake as much, and it helps relax you overall. Finally, it helps increase vasodilation, which can, in turn, decrease blood pressure. So how much magnesium do we need? Recommend a dietary allowance or the RDA 400 milligrams of magnesium. However, we recommend starting at a lower dose, around 200 milligrams, to figure out how sensitive you are to magnesium. The best form to get four magnesium if you’re going to be supplementing with it is magnesium, bis-glycinate, or magnesium glycinate. This form of magnesium doesn’t draw water very heavily, and it also has a high bioavailability. So that means it can absorb very, very well without giving you the side effects of magnesium supplementation, which are usually diarrhea. So what foods are high in magnesium? The first one is avocados. One medium avocado has around 60 milligrams of magnesium. Nuts, specifically cashews. So one ounce of cashews has about 83 milligrams of magnesium.
The Effects Of Taking Magnesium For Blood Pressure
As stated in Part 1, magnesium is the fourth most abundant cation. It is an essential supplement to help hydrate the body’s intracellular water intake. It plays a huge role in the body’s metabolism, allowing cardiac excitability for the heart to regulate blood pressure. So what are the effects of taking magnesium to control blood pressure for the cardiovascular system? Studies reveal that when dealing with high blood pressure, taking magnesium orally can help reduce the intracellular calcium and sodium levels that contribute to the effects of hypertension (high blood pressure). Taking magnesium in supplemental form can even help many individuals when combined with anti-hypertensive medications to lower high blood pressure. Additional studies also reveal that when older adults take magnesium as part of their daily supplemental intake, their intestinal tract helps biotransform magnesium to help regulate the intracellular cell cycle and ensure that hormone secretion is leveled.
Conclusion
When it comes to an active body, the heart makes sure that the blood is pumping to each muscle group and that the heart is functioning. When various everyday factors pile up on the host, it can lead to hypertension associated with other cardiovascular disorders. Taking magnesium in food or supplemental form can help regulate blood pressure in the body and help lower the risk of underlying conditions caused by elevated high blood pressure. Taking magnesium alone can only go so far unless combined with exercise and available treatments that can reduce the chances of high blood pressure increase in the body. In Part 3, we will look at foods containing magnesium that improve overall health.
References
Al Alawi, Abdullah M, et al. “Magnesium and Human Health: Perspectives and Research Directions.” International Journal of Endocrinology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 16 Apr. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5926493/.
InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. High blood pressure: Overview. 2012 May 21 [Updated 2019 May 23]. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279239/
Houston, Mark. “The Role of Magnesium in Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease.” Journal of Clinical Hypertension (Greenwich, Conn.), U.S. National Library of Medicine, Nov. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8108907/.
Iqbal, Arshad Muhammad, and Syed F Jamal. “Essential Hypertension – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 4 July 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539859/.
The cardiovascular system allows oxygen-rich blood and other enzymes to travel throughout the body and allow the various muscle groups and vital organs to function and do their jobs. When multiple factors like chronic stress or disorders begin to affect the heart, it can lead to cardiovascular issues that mimic chest pains or heart disorders that can affect a person’s daily lifestyle. Fortunately, there are many ways to ensure the heart stays healthy and prevent other chronic issues that can disrupt the body’s function. Today’s article looks at one of the essential supplements known as magnesium, its benefits, and how it corresponds with heart health in this 3-part series. Part 2 looks at how magnesium lowers blood pressure. Part 3 looks at the different foods containing magnesium and improves health. We refer our patients to certified providers that consolidate many available treatments for many individuals suffering from low magnesium levels affecting the cardiovascular system and correlating to chronic conditions that can cause overlapping risk profiles in the body. We encourage each patient by referring them to associated medical providers based on their diagnosis when it is appropriate. We understand that education is a fantastic way when asking our providers intricated questions at the patient’s request and understanding. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., only utilizes this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
What Is Magnesium?
Have you noticed that your blood glucose levels are elevated? What about feeling low on energy? Or have you been dealing with constant headaches? When many individuals are dealing with these issues that affect their health, it could be due to low magnesium levels affecting their bodies. Studies reveal that magnesium is the fourth most abundant cation that is a cofactor for 300+ enzymes in the body. Magnesium is an essential supplement that is an important electrolyte that hydrates the intracellular water intake in the body. Additional studies have revealed that magnesium plays a huge role in the body’s metabolism and involves hormone receptor bindings to allow muscle contraction, cardiac excitability, neurotransmitter release, and vasomotor tone. Magnesium is also necessary for the body as it is an active transport for potassium and calcium to go across the cellular membrane for proper functioning.
The Benefits Of Magnesium
When it comes to magnesium, there are many beneficial properties that it can provide to the body. Some of the benefits of taking magnesium include:
Boost exercise performance
Regulating neurotransmitters
Reduce depression and anxiety
Regulate blood glucose levels
Prevent migraines
When many individuals have low magnesium levels, studies reveal that common health conditions like migraines, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiac arrhythmias. These various health conditions can affect not only the vital organs in the body, but when a person has low magnesium levels, their energy levels are low, and they begin to feel sluggish. Additionally, a person with low energy levels from magnesium deficiency can affect their health and wellness. Studies reveal that magnesium deficiencies could cause overlapping risk profiles in the body, which can develop into chronic disorders like cardiovascular issues, hypotension, and osteoporosis.
An Overview Of Magnesium
Biomedical physiologist Alex Jimenez will be going over magnesium with you. But before we get started, it’s important to define some things. The first one is glycolysis. So if we break that down, glyco means carbohydrates or sugar. Lysis implies the breakdown of such glycolysis, the breakdown of carbohydrates. The next one is the co-factor. A co-factor is defined as a non-protein chemical compound that is required for enzymatic activity. You can think of this as the enzyme being the car, and the co-factor is the key. With the key, the vehicle can get started. So what is magnesium? Magnesium is a positively charged cat ion and an electrolyte we need for our bodies. So why is magnesium important? Because it supports proper muscle and nerve function? It regulates glucose metabolism or the breakdown of carbs in glycolysis. And five out of the ten steps in glycolysis require magnesium as a co-factor. So that is over 50% of the breakdown of carbs requires magnesium as a co-factor. It helps regulate our bone density.
Magnesium & Heart Health
As stated earlier, magnesium is an essential supplement that helps with intracellular water intake and helps with the body’s energy levels. So how does magnesium help the heart? Studies reveal that the many diverse roles that magnesium offers to the body allow it to regulate blood pressure and glycaemic control associated with the heart. Many cardiac patients take magnesium to ensure the intracellular membranes travel through the heart. Additionally, additional studies reveal that foods rich in magnesium can help lower the risk of major cardiovascular risks like ischemic heart disease and coronary heart disease. Magnesium also helps reduce pain-like symptoms associated with metabolic syndrome and hypertension that can affect the various muscle groups and joints. When the intracellular membrane is supported by magnesium and travels from the heart to the rest of the entire body, fewer pain-like symptoms can affect joints, muscles, and vital organs.
Conclusion
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant essential supplement that provides intracellular water intake in the body and can provide support to the cardiovascular system. This supplement plays a huge role in the body as it supports its metabolism and makes sure that it reduces cardiovascular issues. When many individuals have low magnesium levels, chronic problems like cardiovascular disorders, metabolic syndrome, and musculoskeletal disorders will develop and affect the body’s function to work properly. Incorporating magnesium-rich foods or supplements can lower the risk of these issues from progressing further and help regulate the elevated hormone levels affecting the body. Part 2 will look at how blood pressure is reduced when taking magnesium.
References
Al Alawi, Abdullah M, et al. “Magnesium and Human Health: Perspectives and Research Directions.” International Journal of Endocrinology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 16 Apr. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5926493/.
Allen, Mary J, and Sandeep Sharma. “Magnesium – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishin, 3 Mar. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519036/.
DiNicolantonio, James J, et al. “Magnesium for the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease.” Open Heart, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 July 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6045762/.
Rosique-Esteban, Nuria, et al. “Dietary Magnesium and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review with Emphasis in Epidemiological Studies.” Nutrients, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Feb. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5852744/.
Schwalfenberg, Gerry K, and Stephen J Genuis. “The Importance of Magnesium in Clinical Healthcare.” Scientifica, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5637834/.
Swaminathan, R. “Magnesium Metabolism and Its Disorders.” The Clinical Biochemist. Reviews, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2003, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1855626/.
Power walking is a fast-paced walking activity quicker than a typical walking pace. It is an exercise technique emphasizing speed and arm motion to increase health benefits. It’s not as high impact as jogging but significantly increases heart rate. Adding power walking to an overall health regimen can improve cardiovascular, joint, muscle, and overall wellness.
Power Walking
Power walking is considered from 3 mph to 5 mph and focuses on speed and arm motion to increase heart rate.
Because it requires more steps per minute, the heart rate will increase more than from a regular walk.
This makes for a more intense cardiovascular workout that burns more calories.
Benefits
Power walking is a great way to improve fitness, heart and joint health, and mental well-being. It has been shown to decrease diabetes risk and lower high blood pressure and some cancers. Other benefits include:
Improves Life Span
The National Institutes of Health recognize the benefits of walking, including a reduced risk of all-cause mortality.
This zone improves cardiovascular health, lowering resting heart rate and strengthening the heart.
Lowers Risk of Health Conditions
Lowers the risk of several conditions like heart disease, dementia, and type 2 diabetes.
Improves sleep quality, reduces sleep disorders’ risks, increases brain function, and supports bone health.
Strengthens Muscles and Bones
It releases pressure from the joints and the muscles and increases the body’s overall range of motion.
Quality of Life
It improves the quality of life as the body becomes more fit.
Reduces risk of illnesses.
Mental abilities and performance improve with increased circulation.
Attention, concentration, and motivation improve.
Technique Overview
Optimal power walking technique will maximize benefits and prevent injuries. Some recommended guidelines to follow:
Posture Awareness
The right posture will help the body maintain speed and will help protect/prevent injury.
Eyes forward, shoulders back, and head upright.
Pull your belly button in toward the spine to engage the core muscles.
If you start to slump forward, take a moment to correct your body position.
If you start holding tension in the shoulders and neck, take a moment to relax and release them.
Gently Swing Arms
Arms bent at around 90 degrees.
Move the arms up and back so the opposite arm and leg advance together.
If the right foot is stepping forward, the left arm should also go forward.
Adding arm motion increases speed.
Focus on controlling the range of motion.
The hand should not rise higher than the collarbone and should not cross the body’s center.
Walking Pattern
With every step, land on the heel and roll the foot toward the toes.
Concentrate on moving the hips forward and not side to side.
Movement
Use short strides and try for a quick pace.
Studies have shown that taking more steps per minute can positively impact insulin levels, body mass index, and waist circumference.
Gradually work up to longer distances and increased speed.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic care can improve exercise experience, athletic performance, and sports performance. A few benefits include the following:
Increased limberness of the joints, ligaments, and tendons.
Increased elasticity and flexibility of the muscles.
Nervous system support improving response time, speed, and endurance.
Physical activity, no matter what intensity, is vital for health. If you are considering beginning an exercise program, talk to your doctor about developing a training program.
How To Walk Faster
References
Dunlop DD, et al. (2019). One hour a week: Moving to prevent disability in adults with lower extremity joint symptoms. DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2018.12.017
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Walking: Trim your waistline, and improve your health. mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/walking/art-20046261
Sharma, Ashish, et al. “Exercise for mental health.” Primary care companion to the Journal of clinical psychiatry vol. 8,2 (2006): 106. doi:10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a
Tudor-Locke, Catrine, et al. “Step-Based Physical Activity Metrics and Cardiometabolic Risk: NHANES 2005-2006.” Medicine and science in sports and exercise vol. 49,2 (2017): 283-291. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000001100
The heart is a fantastic muscle in the body that allows hormones, oxygenated blood, and nutrients to travel and transport to all the muscles, tissues, and organs, providing functionality to the body. As one of the main components of the cardiovascular system, the heart works together with the lungs to help carry the deoxygenated blood to the pulmonary system to dispose of waste from the body. The human body needs the heart to stay healthy; however, factors like stress, obesity, autoimmune diseases, and unhealthy habits can affect the heart, causing cardiac issues associated with various body problems. Today’s article focuses on coronary heart disease, what are the risks associated with coronary heart disease, and ways to prevent coronary heart disease from progressively getting worse. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in cardiology treatments that help those with issues of coronary heart disease. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Is Coronary Heart Disease?
Have you been experiencing hypertension in your body or near your heart? How about unexplained chest pains that randomly showed up? Have you experienced pain running down your shoulders and arms? Many of these are signs that you could be experiencing coronary heart disease. Research studies have defined coronary heart disease as a common heart condition with plaque formation in the heart vessels that cuts off the supply of oxygenated blood to the heart and the rest of the body. As part of cardiovascular diseases, coronary heart disease can cause overlapping profile issues over time if it is not treated right away. Many disruptive factors can affect the heart muscle like:
Age and gender
Oxidative stress
Inflammation
Vascular immune dysfunction
Lack of physical activities
These disruptive factors can increase cardiovascular disease mortality that can affect the heart and be co-morbidities associated with different issues affecting the body. Studies reveal that the mechanisms of cardiac pain are associated with the chest and upper left arm pain. This is defined as referred pain where the sensory input from visceral organs mimics cardiac distress, and the corresponding muscles are affected. But how does this correlate to the heart muscle, and why does the chest experience pain? Visceral pain is a bit trickier to diagnose when cardiovascular disorders overlap the risk profiles associated with other issues affecting the body. For example, you could be experiencing pain in your chest and upper back, but your brain is telling you something is affecting your heart.
An Overview Of CAD-Video
Have you experienced shortness of breath? How about pain located in your chest or radiating from your shoulders and arms? Have you noticed inflammation occurring in your body? Many of these are signs and symptoms of you experiencing coronary artery disease in your body. The video above explains what coronary artery disease is and the risk factors associated with the progression of this common heart disease. Studies reveal that the risk factors can overlap in profiles that contribute to the development of coronary heart disease:
Environmental factors
Lifestyle habits
Diabetes mellitus
Obesity
Symptomatic angina
Smoking
When a person has these risk profiles overlapping different associated issues, their body becomes dysfunctional. Sometimes the symptoms affect other areas of the body, while the brain might be signaled that something is wrong with the heart. Since coronary artery disease progresses slowly over time, many individuals don’t experience the symptoms affecting their heart muscles.
Risk Issues Associated With CHD
Some of these symptoms that overlap in risk profiles may seem like heart issues but may refer to different problems affecting the body. This is defined as viscero-somatic pain, where the pain in the internal organs is associated with the corresponding muscles that share the same nerve. Chest pain associated with heart issues is a perfect example. Studies reveal that chest pains can become indistinguishable from angina, which may result from abnormalities in the thoracic viscera that overlap in profiles with heart issues. So what does it mean? It implies that sensory neurons from different visceral organs might mimic cardiac pain-causing risk-associated problems that affect the thoracic region of the spine triggering neck and upper back issues. Everything is connected as chest pains, dyspnea, and dyspepsia are intertwined with the thoracic anteriority becoming a mediator for cardiovascular diseases.
Ways To Prevent CHD
So let’s visualize a person going to their primary physician due to them experiencing heart issues associated with chest pains after the doctor goes through a manual examination on checking the individual’s heart and chest to see what problems are affecting the body. What does this implicates, and how do chest and back pains correlate with each other if there are heart issues? Studies reveal that the peripheral tissues in the body might be damaged from traumatic events that cause an inflammatory swelling in the cervical and thoracic region of the spine, causing muscle stiffness. Chiropractic care might be the answer to relieving pain and swelling triggering cervical and thoracic pain. Chiropractors use chiropractic adjustments to deliver a non-invasive, gentle treatment that reduces spinal misalignments to enhance the functionality of the musculoskeletal system. This will improve spinal health in the cervical and thoracic regions of the body by decreasing inflammatory swelling associated with heart issues. Chiropractic care, a healthy diet, and exercise also work hand in hand by positively impacting co-morbidities of coronary heart disease and other body problems like obesity to reduce cholesterol, help strengthen the weak muscles along the neck and upper back, and promote blood flow to the heart.
Conclusion
As part of the cardiovascular system, the heart supplies hormones, oxygenated blood, and nutrients throughout the entire body by ensuring that the muscles, tissues, and organs are functioning. When factors like stress, obesity, and unhealthy habits begin to affect the heart, it can develop cardiac issues like coronary heart disease associated with various body problems. Chest pains associated with heart issues that trigger neck and back pain in the body are known as viscero-somatic pain. Available treatments like chiropractic care and changing unhealthy habits work hand in hand to positively impact co-morbidities of coronary heart disease and reduce muscle stiffness along the neck and back muscles of the cervical and thoracic spine.
References
Börjesson, M. “Visceral Chest Pain in Unstable Angina Pectoris and Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. (TENS). A Review.” Herz, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Apr. 1999, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10372297/.
Foreman, Robert D, et al. “Mechanisms of Cardiac Pain.” Comprehensive Physiology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Apr. 2015, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25880519/.
Malakar, Arup Kr, et al. “A Review on Coronary Artery Disease, Its Risk Factors, and Therapeutics.” Journal of Cellular Physiology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Aug. 2019, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30790284/.
Shahjehan, Rai Dilawar, and Beenish S Bhutta. “Coronary Artery Disease – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 9 Feb. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564304/.
In the body, the heart is a vital organ that pumps blood to all the muscles, organs, tissues, and ligaments that require the body to function and move. As part of the cardiovascular system, the heart keeps the body alive by supplying nutrients and disposing of waste and carbon dioxide away from the body. Various factors can affect the body and the heart as well stressful events, unhealthy eating habits, limited physical activities, or autoimmune conditions can cause strain on the heart. Still, they can correlate to different symptoms in the body. This causes an overlap of risk profiles that may feel something is wrong with the heart but might affect another body part. Today’s article focuses on viscero-somatic pain affecting more than the heart muscle, how referred pain is defined, and various ways for treating viscero-somatic pain in the body. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in cardiovascular and chiropractic treatments that help those with issues that affect their hearts. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Visceral-Somatic Pain Affecting More Than The Heart
Are you experiencing radiating pain affecting your neck, arms, or back? How about feeling discomfort in your chest? Do gut issues seem to cause a burning sensation affecting your chest? Many of these symptoms overlap in risk profiles that seem like issues in the heart but can refer to something else affecting the body. This is known as viscero-somatic pain, usually defined as pain coming from the internal organs affecting the muscles that share the same nerve. Studies revealed that the autonomic nervous system mediates visceral-somatic pain. For the heart, the parasympathetic innervation comes from the cardiac branches of the vagus nerves connected to the spine and the brain. Since there is extensive autonomic innervation of the heart, the vagus nerve has a minor role in afferent pain transmission signaling.
An example would be having esophageal issues that are causing chest pains in your chest. So how would that correlate to the heart? Think of it as a person experiencing chest pains and whose brain is being signaled that something is wrong with their heart. Then, when they get treated, their results show that it was esophageal issues. Studies have revealed that spinal neurons receive input from a distal esophagus and receive the same information from the heart through viscero-somatic and viscero-visceral convergence. So what does this mean? This means that the sympathetic innervation of the heart is in a casual relationship to the first five thoracic spinal nerves. This indicates that some pain fibers affecting the heart are directly from the upper thoracic spine. Additional studies have mentioned that the vagus nerve connected to the upper thoracic spine can influence harmful afferent signals of the visceral organs to involve pain and joint stiffness in multiple organs and body structures.
Visceral Pain Explained- Video
Do you feel pain occurring on your shoulders or neck? How about severe pressure on your chest that might be something else? Or have you noticed issues that are affecting your heart are affecting your chest? Many of these are signs of visceral pain, where the pain of the damaged organ affects the muscle in a different body location. The video above explains visceral pain and uses an example of the cardiac muscle being affected by visceral pain. Studies reveal that the sensory input from different visceral organs can mimic cardiac pain due to viscero-somatic convergence of the cardiac input affecting the spinothalamic tract neurons in the spine to cause back issues in the thoracic region. So what does this implicates to the body? Well, say a person is experiencing chest and shoulder pains in their body; however, they’re experiencing heart problems that also affect them.
Treating Visceral-Somatic Pain In The Body
So, a person starts experiencing chest pain radiating from heart issues and goes to the doctor to see what is wrong with them. The physicians will begin to check on their hearts to see if anything is wrong or will be looking at their spine and chest through manual examination to see what is the issue that is affecting their bodies. So what does this mean to the body? Well, it could indicate that joint and muscle dysfunction in the neck and thorax is causing non-cardiac issues in the body. The influence of the spinal nerves on the cardiovascular function of the heart, since the afferent and parasympathetic efferents innervation of the heart, could disturb the upper cervical subluxation as the vagus nerve is being compressed. This correlates to other visceral organs mimicking cardiac pain and being the cause of musculoskeletal issues in the back.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the heart is a vital organ in the body that pumps blood to all the muscles, organs, tissues, and ligaments for functionality and nutrients distribution. The heart also share nerves in the parasympathetic innervation that connects to the vagus nerves which connects to the spine and brain to send information. However, various factors like lifestyle habits can affect the heart muscle and cause the individual chest pains that the brain is getting the signals that something is wrong with the heart. This is known a viscero-somatic pain where affected organs can cause muscle issues in the body in a different location. Treatments are available to figure out what the problem is going on with the body to understand better how to alleviate these viscero-somatic issues.
References
Foreman, Robert D, et al. “Mechanisms of Cardiac Pain.” Comprehensive Physiology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Apr. 2015, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25880519/.
Garrison, David W, et al. “Viscerosomatic Convergence onto Feline Spinal Neurons from Esophagus, Heart and Somatic Fields: Effects of Inflammation.” Pain, U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 1992, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1408304/.
Leach, Austin, and Mike Fisher. “Myocardial Ischaemia and Cardiac Pain – a Mysterious Relationship.” British Journal of Pain, SAGE Publications, Feb. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4590151/.
Soares, Bruno, et al. “Accuracy of Physical Assessment in Nursing for Cervical Spine Joint Pain and Stiffness: Pilot Study Protocol.” JMIR Research Protocols, JMIR Publications, 17 Dec. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8726037/.
The body requires the heart in the cardiovascular system to pump oxygen-riched blood to all the muscles, tissues, and organs to keep it functioning. While the heart pumps the blood to the body, the lungs in the pulmonary system help the body by making the host breathe in the fresh air, remove the gases from the body, and helps delivers oxygen to the body cells. When issues begin to affect the lungs and the heart, it can cause the individual to develop cardiovascular disorders and a lung condition known as asthma to disrupt the body and cause pain to the individual. Today’s article looks at what asthma is, how it affects the body, and how somatic issues from asthma can affect the cardiovascular system. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in cardiovascular and pulmonary treatments that help those suffering from asthma attacks. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
What Is Asthma?
Have you experienced chest pains that are causing issues in your arms? How about the shortness of breath that causes you to have difficulty breathing? Do you have trouble sleeping due to waking up coughing or breathing rapidly? These are the signs and symptoms of you experiencing an asthma attack. Research studies have defined an asthma attack as a chronic disease that causes inflammatory narrowing of the air pathways to the lungs. When a person starts to suffer from an asthma attack, it can cause the lung capacity volume to be weakened and produce an excessive amount of mucus in the airways. Many factors like genetics, allergens, obesity, stress and environmental exposures can trigger a person to have an asthma attack. When these factors begin to affect the lungs, it can cause an overlap of other risk profiles to affect the body.
How Does It Affect The Body?
The lungs help the body intake fresh air and exhale the gases. The lungs provide an autonomic innervation that has a typical casual relationship to the autonomic innervation of the heart. This causal relationship also works with the parasympathetic innervation of the vagus nerve and the prominent sympathetic innervation of the spine’s thoracic region. With the lungs providing the functionality of breathing in the body, it is considered a musculoskeletal act in the service of a visceral system requirement that straddles the somatovisceral interface. Regarding individuals with asthma, research studies have shown that it can cause somatic symptoms like chest pains, cold hands and feet, and blurred vision. These somatic symptoms can affect the lungs and increase the risk associated with cardiovascular diseases.
The Difference Between Somatic & Visceral Pain- Video
Have you noticed chest pain frequently occurring and causing muscle stiffness in your arms? Are you gasping constantly that it irritates your throat? How about the shortness of breath that makes it difficult to sleep? You could be experiencing an asthma attack that can trigger somatovisceral issues that affect the body. The video above explains the difference between somatic and visceral pain affecting the body. Somatic pain is when the muscles trigger the organs, while visceral pain is the opposite, where the internal organs affect the muscles. When asthma affects the airway muscles, it can cause the heart muscles to work extra harder, causing chest and upper-mid back pains in the body.
Asthma Causing Somatic Issues To The Cardiovascular System
The heart and lungs have a casual relationship as the lungs help the body to breathe in the fresh air, and the heart takes the oxygen-riched blood to supply the rest of the organs, muscles, and tissues in the body. Through the sympathetic system, the heart communicates with the parasympathetic, sympathetic, and sensory pathways that allow the coordination of the cardiac tone, causing the heart to accelerate its beat in the body. When an asthma attack begins to affect the cardiovascular system, research studies have found that the sudden restriction of the airflow pathways from an asthma attack is a development for upcoming cardiovascular issues. The heart muscles will coincidentally begin to strain as the sensory innervations cause immense pain. The sudden constriction of the airways during an asthma attack can also affect the thoracic spine and reach the heart. One of the ways to reduce cardiovascular issues that affect the thoracic spine is spinal manipulation. Research studies have found that manipulating the thoracic spine can help increase the motion of the thoracic cage and enhance the arterial airflow supply to regulate heartbeat and lung capacity.
Conclusion
Asthma is a chronic disorder that causes inflammation and narrows the air pathways that restrict oxygen from entering the heart. The lungs and the heart have a casual relationship to the body, providing oxygen and blood flow to the organs, muscles, and tissues to function correctly. When exposed to environmental factors, it can cause restriction to the airway pathways to the lungs, causing wheezing and coughing motion that can cause somatic visceral dysfunction in the cardiovascular system and the thoracic spine. When this happens, treatments like chiropractic therapy can manipulate the thoracic spine and restore the air pathways to improve cardio and lung capacity.
References
Hashmi, Muhammad F, et al. “Asthma.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 16 Feb. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430901/.
Kaminskyj, Adrienne, et al. “Chiropractic Care for Patients with Asthma: A Systematic Review of the Literature.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, Canadian Chiropractic Association, Mar. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2829683/.
Pollevick, Matias E, et al. “The Relationship between Asthma and Cardiovascular Disease: An Examination of the Framingham Offspring Study.” Chest, American College of Chest Physicians, Apr. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8501004/.
Ringsberg, K C, et al. “Psychological Differences between Asthmatics and Patients Suffering from an Asthma-like Condition, Functional Breathing Disorder: A Comparison between the Two Groups Concerning Personality, Psychosocial and Somatic Parameters.” Integrative Physiological and Behavioral Science : the Official Journal of the Pavlovian Society, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1993, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8117581/.
Anybody can become dehydrated if they don’t take care of themselves and drink plenty of water. Being dehydrated happens when there is insufficient water in the body or increased water loss through sweating, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, along with certain medications, can increase urination and dehydration. Older adults have an increased risk of dehydrating because their body’s fluid reserves decrease, and their body’s ability to signal that they are thirsty does not work as effectively, especially those with memory problems.
Dehydrated Symptoms
Signs of dehydration include:
Muscle cramps.
Dry mouth
Dry cough.
Tiredness/fatigue.
Flushed red skin.
Swollen feet.
High heart rate but low blood pressure.
Dizziness, weakness, light-headedness.
Headache, delirium, confusion.
Loss of appetite with a sugar craving.
Heat intolerance or chills.
Constipation.
Dark-colored urine. Urine should be a pale clear color.
Dehydration Levels
Dehydration is categorized as:
Mild
The body needs more fluids to be taken in.
Drink water
Drinks containing electrolytes are recommended if experiencing significant sweating or fluid losses from vomiting and diarrhea.
The body should feel better after five or ten minutes.
Bhave, Gautam, and Eric G Neilson. “Volume depletion versus dehydration: how understanding the difference can guide therapy.” American journal of kidney diseases: the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation vol. 58,2 (2011): 302-9. doi:10.1053/j.ajkd.2011.02.395
Kenefick, Robert W, and Michael N Sawka. “Hydration at the worksite.” Journal of the American College of Nutrition vol. 26,5 Suppl (2007): 597S-603S. doi:10.1080/07315724.2007.10719665
Thomas, David R et al. “Understanding clinical dehydration and its treatment.” Journal of the American Medical Directors Association vol. 9,5 (2008): 292-301. doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2008.03.006
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