Spinal Cord Injury Can Affect Your Cardiovascular System

Each year, between 250,000 to 500,000 people experience some level of spinal cord injury (SCI) around the world. In the United States alone, there are about 282,000 people currently living with an SCI while over 17,000 new cases are introduced each year.

Spinal cord injuries in Chattanooga can happen due to a variety of causes, but preventable causes like violence and car accidents are just two of them. These injuries are often life-altering, affecting not only physical mobility but also profoundly impacting daily life for victims.

Understanding spinal cord injuries

Simply put, spinal cord injuries occur when the spinal cord is damaged. This damage can result from various causes, such as trauma, accidents, or medical conditions. The spinal cord serves as a vital communication highway between the brain and the rest of the body, carrying messages that control movement, sensation, and even organ function.

When a SCI occurs, it disrupts this communication highway, leading to a wide range of physical impairments. The effects can vary significantly depending on the severity and location of the injury. In essence, a spinal cord injury can leave an individual with partial or complete paralysis, affecting not only their ability to move but also their sensation, bowel and bladder control, and even their ability to regulate body temperature.

When we think about spinal cord injuries, we typically picture the immediate trauma and its effects on mobility. However, what’s often overlooked is the relationship between the spinal cord and our cardiovascular system. Believe it or not, SCIs can also lead to long-term cardiovascular complications that significantly affect the overall health and well-being of individuals.

SCIs and their effects on the heart

The spinal cord plays an important role in regulating various bodily functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, and blood vessel dilation. Consequently, when the spinal cord is injured, it can disrupt the body’s ability to control these functions effectively, leading to a range of cardiovascular issues. Signs of a heart issue after an SCI can include dizziness, loss of consciousness, nausea, lightheadedness, and visual disturbances.

According to one medical article, one of the most severe complications associated with spinal cord injuries is autonomic dysreflexia (AD), a condition where the body’s autonomic nervous system becomes hypersensitive and overreacts to certain triggers.

Symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia include:

• A sudden and dangerous spike in blood pressure
• Severe headaches
• Sweating
• Flushing of the skin
• A slowed heart rate

As a result, individuals with spinal cord injuries, especially those with injuries at or above the T6 level, are at risk of experiencing this potentially life-threatening condition.

How autonomic dysreflexia actually affects the heart

While AD primarily affects the autonomic nervous system, its connection to heart issues is indirect but significant. Understanding the links is extremely important for those with spinal cord injuries in Chattanooga, as it emphasizes the importance of proactive management and regular medical monitoring to protect heart health. Here’s how AD is connected to heart problems:

• Blood pressure surge: The hallmark symptom of AD is a sudden and dangerous spike in blood pressure. When blood pressure rises dramatically, it can put added strain on the heart. The heart must work harder to pump blood against elevated pressure, potentially leading to heart-related complications over time.
• Bradycardia: In some cases of AD, there is a simultaneous slowing of the heart rate known as bradycardia. This condition can disrupt the heart’s normal rhythm and reduce its efficiency in pumping blood. Bradycardia, combined with high blood pressure, can be particularly concerning for cardiovascular health.
• Increased risk of heart disease: Over time, recurrent episodes of AD can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. The ongoing strain on the heart due to blood pressure fluctuations and abnormal heart rhythms can lead to the development of various heart-related conditions, including chronically high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Managing heart issues with SCIs

Taking care of heart problems in people with spinal cord injuries needs a thorough plan that considers the unique challenges and risks associated with both conditions.

Here are some key strategies for keeping heart issues in check:

• Regular check-ups: SCI patients need regular check-ups with specialized healthcare providers who can monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and other heart-related factors.
• Medication: Medication may be prescribed for conditions like hypertension or arrhythmias. Adhering to prescribed medication regimens is crucial.
• Lifestyle changes: Adopting heart-healthy habits, such as a balanced diet, appropriate exercise, and quitting smoking (if applicable), is essential.
• Blood pressure: High blood pressure is common in SCI individuals, especially those at risk of autonomic dysreflexia. Careful monitoring and, if needed, medication can control blood pressure.
• Cardiac rehab: Some SCI individuals with heart issues can benefit from cardiac rehab programs, offering structured exercise and education.
• Assistive devices: Specialized wheelchairs with reclining features may help manage orthostatic hypotension in high-level SCI.
• Education and self-management: Patients should learn to identify symptoms and respond to cardiovascular problems effectively.
• Psychosocial support: Emotional challenges of managing heart issues alongside SCI can be eased with counseling and peer support.

If you have experienced a spinal cord injury as a result of a car accident or any other type of accident, don’t bear the overwhelming financial burden alone. At Wagner & Wagner Attorneys at Law, we recognize the high costs associated with spinal cord injuries, and we’re here to help. We understand the complexities of these situations and are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Reach out to our office or fill out our contact form to arrange your free case review today. Serving clients in Cleveland, Chattanooga, North Georgia, and the surrounding areas, we are dedicated to ensuring that you receive the assistance and compensation you deserve during this challenging time.