Don’t let your heart skip a beat this Valentine’s Day: How Lyme Disease affects your heart

Valentine’s Day is all about hearts, but let’s talk about the one that really matters—yours. While romance might make your heart race, Lyme disease could have a more sinister role in those palpitations. Yes, the infamous Lyme spirochete, that corkscrew-shaped bacteria behind Lyme disease, isn’t just interested in your joints or skin; it has its sights set on your nervous system and, by extension, your heart.

So, grab a cup of tea, snuggle up, and let’s dive into how Lyme disease might be playing tricks on your ticker.

What does the Lyme spirochete really want?

In simple terms, the Lyme spirochete is like a party crasher with two goals: eat and multiply. Its favorite snacks? Your gut bacteria and myelin sheath—the fatty, protective coating around your nerves. This dual attack is why people with Lyme disease often experience both gut issues and nerve problems.

And here’s where it gets interesting: the nerve damage caused by Lyme disease can lead to heart symptoms. Yes, those flutters, palpitations, or even episodes of atrial fibrillation might not be your heart’s fault at all. They’re often the result of misfiring nerves, thanks to damage to their protective myelin coating.

Meet the Purkinje Fibers: Your heart’s nervous system

Your heart doesn’t beat on its own. It’s wired up with a sophisticated electrical system, including the Purkinje fibers, a network of nerves that keeps everything in sync. Think of them as your heart’s personal IT department, ensuring every beat is on time and in order.

But when Lyme bacteria attack the myelin sheath of these nerves, it’s like a hacker messing with your IT system. Damaged Purkinje fibers send garbled signals, causing arrhythmias, tachycardia, or even bradycardia. The result? Heart symptoms that feel alarming but might not actually involve a structural issue with the heart itself.

The Cardiologist conundrum

Here’s a common scenario: You experience heart symptoms—flutters, palpitations, or a racing heartbeat. Naturally, you head to a cardiologist. After a series of tests, you’re told your heart is perfectly fine. Frustrating, right?

What many don’t realize is that these symptoms often stem from nerve issues, not heart problems. Who should you see instead? A neurologist or a chiropractor, experts who understand how your nervous system—and those all-important Purkinje fibers—might be affected.

Why Lyme loves myelin

The myelin sheath is made mostly of cholesterol—a form of fat. And just like a well-marbled steak, fat is both nutrient-dense and delicious (at least to bacteria like Lyme spirochetes). When Lyme bacteria nibble away at your myelin, they’re essentially stripping the insulation from your nerves. The result? Short circuits and nerve death.

When the Purkinje fibers are affected, your heart starts getting mixed signals, leading to irregular rhythms and other heart-related symptoms.

How to protect your heart (and your Valentine)

If you’re dealing with Lyme disease, taking care of your nervous and gastrointestinal systems should be a top priority. These are the two areas Lyme hits hardest, and their health is key to keeping your heart in check.

This Valentine’s Day, why not give your heart (and your Valentine’s) some extra love?

Here are a few tips:

• Stay on top of your Lyme treatment: Let us help you to rid your body of the Lyme bacteria once and for (all) your heart

• Support your nervous system: Focus on a diet rich in healthy fats, like avocados, nuts, and omega-3s, to support myelin health.

• Listen to your body: If you’re experiencing unexplained heart symptoms, get in touch.
  

Common heart-related symptoms of Lyme disease

If you’re wondering whether Lyme disease could be affecting your heart, here are some symptoms to watch for:

• Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)

• Palpitations or flutters

• Tachycardia (fast heartbeat)

• Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)

• Atrial fibrillation

• Shortness of breath

• Fainting

• Even heart attacks or myocardial infarction in severe cases

This Valentine’s Day, Be Heart Smart

Don’t let Lyme disease play Grinch to your Valentine’s Day. By staying informed and proactive about your health, you can keep your heart and your love life—beating strong. Because nothing says “I love you” like a healthy, happy heart. ❤️