Sweaty hands can be linked to various health issues, including heart disease. Sweating itself is the body’s natural response to regulate temperature and maintain fluid balance.
But does everyone with constantly sweaty hands have heart disease? Here’s a closer look.
Causes of Sweaty Hands
Excessive sweating of the hands is known as hyperhidrosis, which can be classified into two types: primary and secondary hyperhidrosis.
Primary hyperhidrosis involves excessive hand sweating without an underlying health issue, often due to genetics. Secondary hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, results from certain health conditions such as hormonal imbalances, diabetes, or medication side effects.
The Link Between Sweaty Hands and Heart Disease
Heart disease commonly presents with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeats. However, some heart disease cases may also involve excessive sweating.
This excessive sweating is often associated with atherosclerosis, a condition where blood vessels narrow due to fatty deposits known as plaque. This vessel narrowing forces the heart to work harder, triggering increased sweating, even in the hands.
Other heart conditions, including heart attacks and angina, can also lead to excessive sweating as the body reacts to physical stress or oxygen deficiency.
Are Sweaty Hands Always Associated with Heart Disease?
While sweaty hands may sometimes relate to heart disease, most cases don’t signal a heart problem. Many instances of hyperhidrosis are due to factors like anxiety, environmental heat, or physical exertion. Stress and anxiety can also trigger excessive hand sweating.
Be mindful of heart disease indicators if your hands are frequently sweaty, especially alongside symptoms like:
- Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
- Breathing difficulties
- Unusual, unexplained fatigue
- Lightheadedness or nausea
If you notice frequent sweaty hands with any of these symptoms, consulting a doctor is highly advisable. Learning more about the causes of sweaty hands can help you stay vigilant and proactive about your health.
Receiving the appropriate tests and diagnosis is also key to understanding your health. For added convenience, you can use the Ai Care health consultation service, available on the App Store and Play Store.
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- dr Hanifa Rahma
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Yvette Brazier (2024). What to know about hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/182130
American Heart Association (2024). Top 10 Myths About Cardiovascular Disease. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease/top-10-myths-about-cardiovascular-disease
Collen Travers (2023). What Causes Sweaty Plams (Palmar Hyperhidrosis)?. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/sweaty-palms-palmar-hyperhidrosis-4691320