Multiple Sclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease: What's the Link?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is best known for the way it damages the nervous system. But MS has also been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including problems like heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. The reasons aren't yet well understood, though they may involve inflammation, shared risk factors, and more.

This article discusses the link between MS and CVD, possible symptoms, and ways to reduce risk.

The Link Between MS and Heart Issues

Several studies have suggested an association between MS and heart disease, and research is ongoing to understand their relationship.

Elevated triglyceride and LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, considered "bad") levels have been associated with worse MS symptoms and more brain imaging abnormalities. MS has also been associated with higher rates of stroke, heart attack, and death from CVD.

The reasons for this are still being investigated, but scientists have suggested links between inflammation and heart disease as well as genetic mutations associated with MS affecting the heart muscle and CVD risk. In addition, some shared risk factors for MS and heart disease, such as smoking and obesity, may contribute to these findings.

Types of CVD Linked to MS

MS has been linked to the following types of CVD:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Peripheral vascular disease (slow, progressive blood circulation disorder)
• Heart failure
• Heart imaging abnormalities

Recognizing Symptoms

It is important to recognize symptoms of CVD, particularly for those who are at increased risk.

• Heart attack symptoms can include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, and nausea.
• Arrhythmias can cause light-headedness, fainting, palpitations, and weakness.
• Heart failure may cause shortness of breath, leg swelling, weight gain, fatigue, and exercise intolerance.
• Stroke can have variable symptoms, including sudden weakness on one side of the body or face, difficulty speaking, and vision changes.
• Peripheral vascular disease typically presents with claudication, which is discomfort in the leg muscles with walking that is relieved with rest.

Minimizing Risk

Preventing CVD is important for everyone, but those who are at higher risk of CVD should pay close attention to managing controllable risk factors.

Leading as healthy a lifestyle as possible is the first step. This includes:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Stopping smoking
• Exercising (to the extent of your abilities)

MS can make exercising difficult, but regular exercise that gets the heart rate up, including activities like water aerobics and chair exercises, are beneficial.

In addition to a healthy lifestyle, it's important to ensure that blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol are controlled. Lifestyle can help with high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, but medications are often needed.

Summary

MS has been associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease, including stroke, heart attack, death from CVD, and peripheral vascular disease. The reason for this is not yet fully understood but could be related to a combination of factors, including inflammation, genetics, and associated risk factors.

It's important to recognize warning signs of CVD and seek medical attention as necessary. Preventing CVD includes a healthy lifestyle and managing other risk factors, like blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.

A Word From Verywell

Much remains to be understood about MS, including its relationship with heart disease risk. Addressing risk factors that are common to both CVD and MS, like smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity, can be helpful in both reducing CV risk and improving MS symptoms.