We often think of airway and skin reactions when we think of the symptoms of food allergies. But often overlooked is that your heart also experiences an allergic reaction.
Mast cells are present in the heart muscles, and if you have heart disease, mast cells may also be present in plaques in your arteries. If you have heart disease, and even mild food allergies, talk to your doctor. It is important to let your cardiologist know about your food allergies, and to talk with your allergist about your heart.
Allergic shock (anaphylaxis) can cause a heart attack in a surprisingly short period of time, even in young and healthy people. The median time between onset of food-induced anaphylaxis and cardiac arrest is 30 minutes. With insect stings it is only 5 minutes. To protect your heart, use your epinephrine auto-injector quickly.
Some medicines for the heart can increase the risk of severe allergic shock. Beta-adrenergic blockers block the effect of adrenaline on the cardiovascular system to reduce stress on the heart. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors dilate the arteries.
If you do have a severe allergic reaction and use your epinephrine auto-injector, be sure to lie down afterwards, and stay horizontal. A recent study found 10 fatalities after people had sat up or been propped upright after using epinephrine, due to blood draining out of their hearts.
Simons, Keith J; Estelle R. Simons. Epinephrine and its Use in Anaphylaxis: Current Issues Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010;10(4):354-361
Pumphrey RSH. Fatal posture in anaphylactic shock. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003; 112:451-452.
Wow – thanks for the reminder about lying down after receiving the epi!
BTW, loving the frequency of your posts!