Chronic Pain Linked to Cardiovascular Health Risks

What is it about?

A recent study from the University of Jaén has revealed unexpected connections between chronic pain and cardiovascular health. By combining cutting-edge experimental techniques with advanced data analysis, the researchers offer a new perspective on how these two health issues, often treated separately, are deeply interrelated. For nearly 50 years, scientists have studied how pain affects blood pressure. In a study recently published in the journal *PLoS One*, we demonstrated that chronic pain can alter blood pressure regulation by reducing blood volume (hypovolemia), forcing the body to shift from normal heart-controlled mechanisms to emergency responses, such as vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels). These findings underscore the need for more precise treatments, moving away from one-size-fits-all approaches to managing pain and blood pressure. Instead, strategies should be tailored to individual metabolic needs, with a focus on improving hydration—an increasingly urgent priority as climate change poses new health challenges. Reference: Davydov DM, Gálvez-Sánchez CM, Reyes del Paso GA, Hemodynamics in chronic pain: A pathway to multi-modal health risks. PLoS One 19:e0315341, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0315341

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Photo by julien Tromeur on Unsplash

Photo by julien Tromeur on Unsplash

Why is it important?

**Cardiac Stress and Added Risks** Chronic pain doesn’t just hurt; it also strains the heart. Pain disrupts the balance in blood pressure regulation, increasing the heart’s workload to maintain circulation against higher vascular resistance. This additional effort raises the risks of heart attacks, strokes, chronic inflammation, and even malnutrition due to reduced blood flow. **Wearable Devices to Measure Pain** Despite significant investments over the past decade to address chronic pain and the opioid crisis in the Americas, developing effective tools to measure and manage pain remains a persistent challenge. Our study also presents a promising solution in this regard: wearable devices that track cardiovascular responses as objective biomarkers of "painometry." These tools could revolutionize personalized treatment, allowing doctors to monitor pain in real time and tailor care to each patient. **Importance of the Research** Traditional healthcare often treats chronic pain and heart health as separate issues. This study emphasizes that both problems are closely linked and must be addressed together. Notably, improving blood flow and avoiding treatments or diets that worsen dehydration can help manage pain more effectively. Additionally, the wearable devices we present could identify individuals at greater risk of reduced blood volume due to dehydration, enabling earlier and more precise interventions while also managing the risks of overhydration, which can contribute to issues such as heart failure. Beyond medications, programs promoting proper hydration and cardiovascular well-being in resorts, gyms, and other wellness centers could play a key role in improving health outcomes.

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