Why does lying on my side cause discomfort in the heart, and what should I do about it?

Jun 04, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Tian Hongbo

Introduction

Sleeping on your side may cause cardiac discomfort due to physiological reasons, intercostal neuralgia, myocarditis, or other causes. This can be improved through general treatments or medication. It might also result from conditions such as infective endocarditis, acute pericarditis, or congenital heart disease. If physical discomfort occurs, prompt medical evaluation and appropriate treatment should be sought.

Lying on one's side may cause cardiac discomfort due to physiological reasons, intercostal neuralgia, myocarditis, or other causes. This can be improved through general treatments, medications, and other methods. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Physiological Reasons

During sleep, prolonged compression of the body may overburden the local nervous system, leading to symptoms of cardiac discomfort. It is advisable to change sleeping positions regularly to avoid prolonged pressure on specific areas.

2. Intercostal Neuralgia

Intercostal neuralgia refers to inflammation or injury of the ribs and cartilage that stimulates surrounding nerve endings, causing pain and discomfort. When lying on one side, body weight increases pressure on the ribs and cartilage, further stimulating nearby nerve endings and exacerbating pain associated with intercostal neuralgia. The pain may radiate to the chest and heart area, resulting in localized discomfort. Patients may take medications such as mecobalamin tablets or carbamazepine tablets under medical guidance.

3. Myocarditis

Myocarditis causes local congestion, exudation, and fibrosis of the myocardium, impairing the heart's systolic and diastolic functions. Under additional stress, the heart may experience discomfort or pain. Under a doctor’s supervision, patients may use medications such as amiodarone hydrochloride tablets or Shenqi Yangxin granules to alleviate symptoms.

Besides the above causes, conditions such as infective endocarditis, acute pericarditis, or congenital heart disease could also be responsible. Individuals experiencing physical discomfort should seek timely medical evaluation and treatment. It is also recommended to adjust sleeping posture by adopting a supine or semi-supine position to reduce pressure on the heart and chest. Additionally, regular physical exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the occurrence of local discomfort and pain.

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Does poor blood circulation affect vaccines?

If the individual only has mild local circulatory issues (such as cold hands and feet), without serious underlying conditions (such as severe heart failure or peripheral vascular disease), and with normal overall metabolism and immune function, vaccination is still appropriate. The immune system can properly recognize vaccine components and produce antibodies. Mild circulation problems will not impair vaccine effectiveness nor worsen the circulatory abnormalities.