In a tragic incident, Television actor Rituraj Singh passed away at the age of 59 due to cardiac arrest. The Anupamaa fame was recently hospitalised for a pancreatic illness and later died of a cardiac arrest. This unfortunate incident brings attention to the risk for serious heart diseases due to pancreatic illness.
According to a study, higher incidences of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease was found in patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis than those without pancreatitis.
Another research paper by Journal of Clinical Medicine stated, “Heart failure is associated with decreased tissue perfusion and increased venous congestion that may result in organ dysfunction. This dysfunction has been investigated extensively for many organs, but data regarding pancreatic (exocrine) dysfunction are scarce.”
To understand the connection between pancreatic illness and serious heart problems, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Govind Nandakumar, Consultant - Surgical Gastroenterology, Laparoscopic and GI Onco Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Bangalore.
How Does Pancreatic Illness Cause Cardiac Arrest
Explaining the cause of cardiac arrest due to pancreatic illness, Dr Nandakumar said, “Pancreatitis involves pancreatic inflammation where the organ self-digests, impacting nearby tissues. This triggers a systemic inflammatory response, impacting basic measures of cardiovascular function, such as blood pressure and heart rate, straining the heart. Such stress on the heart could contribute to cardiac arrest in pancreatic illness. Pancreatic illness encompasses conditions like pancreatic cancer and its advanced stages, further highlighting its broad impact on health.”
Also read: TV Actor Rituraj Singh Dies Of Cardiac Arrest At 59, Know Its Preventive Measures
Acute Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is the redness and swelling, painful inflammation of the pancreas. This happens when digestive juices or enzymes attack the pancreas. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation in the pancreas and it lasts for a short time. Explaining the link between acute pancreatitis and heart, Dr Nandakumar said, “The pancreas is an organ that releases enzymes to digest food particles. Acute pancreatitis involves sudden inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by gallstones, alcohol and intrinsic causes or idiopathic pancreatitis. In this state, the pancreas starts to auto digest itself. This can lead to a severe inflammatory response and your body reacts to this with a lot of cytokines and their factors, imposing significant stress on the heart.”
Saying that pancreatic inflammation does not directly affect the heart, Dr Nandakumar said, “Pancreatic inflammation doesn't directly affect the heart, but it places immense strain on the heart due to increased demands to sustain bodily functions. This heightened workload can subsequently result in heart-related complications.”
Stress Cardiomyopathy
Stress Cardiomyopathy can also pose a risk when it comes to cardiac arrest. Explaining the link of this condition with pancreatic illness, Dr Nandakumar said, “Stress cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart and its function are compromised, impacting its pumping ability. Pancreatitis and various inflammatory or other conditions that stress the heart can be potential causes. Any inflammatory or infectious situation where the body is abnormally stressed has the potential to induce stress cardiomyopathy.”
Bottomline
In order to avert pancreatic illness and heart problems, it is important to take steps to improve lifestyle habits and step on to healthier ones. Quitting smoking, reducing the intake of alcohol, losing weight if obese, avoiding unhealthy foods and indulging in regular exercise are some of the important steps that should be taken care of. External factors like pollution and adulterated food products are mostly unpreventable but physical health is, so choose your lifestyle wisely and lead a healthy one.