MECFS-The Heart Symptoms

The Heart:

Patients with CFS have markedly reduced cardiac mass and blood pool volumes, particularly end-diastolic volume. This results in significant impairment in stroke volume and cardiac output compared to controls. The MECFS group appeared to have a delay in the release of torsion. This is quoted from a 2012 study that confirmed impaired cardiac function in patients with CFS/ME.

Two studies (2009 , 2011) have shown low blood volume and diminished heart function in ME/CFS, respectively. In the earlier study, researchers said that those with severe ME/CFS had the lowest blood volume. Tests indicated that diminished heart function was likely a consequence of low blood volume and not due to structural defects in the heart.

A common symptom is chest pain which apparently results because of the impaired energy delivery to heart muscles. Another explanation is the switch to anaerobic metabolism and production of lactic acid causing symptoms of angina. Further, a poor blood supply & oxygen supply.  Several reports also suggest that one of the leading cause of death for MECFS patients is heart failure.

There are many reports and posts over the www, regarding wearing Heart Rate Monitor would be helpful for MECFS patients to keep activity under control and stop at the first warning. It is said to be best to keep heart rate at 60% of the maximum heart rate {(200 ­- Age) x60%}. Interestingly, many MECFS patients were said to be experiencing higher heart rate, however, in my case I observe abnormal drops in my pulse rate directly linked to the exertion, even to the tune of below 35. This is when, there is no abnormality observed in any of the common diagnostic tests related to heart, blood pressure, POTS, etc and despite having intermittent chest pain. One interesting thing, I believe could be true for MECFS patients is that due to extreme fatigue, mostly the exertion is very limited, it helps MECFS patients to prevent heart failure.

 

It affects every organ, every cell, I intend to share my thoughts and available relevant studies in my future posts. Writing this is actually very exhausting for me…but I thought if it helps anyone, it is worth it.