A dry mouth alone is usually not a sign of a heart attack. However, there are several other causes of dry mouth (or Xerostomia). So, to confirm whether you have the problem due to a heart attack, ruling out other possible causes is mandatory.
Statistics obtained from trusted sources suggest that more than 20% of adults experience dry mouth at some point in their lives. So, you can call it a common phenomenon. The section below will help you understand how dry mouth is linked to heart attacks.
Experiencing persistent dry mouth with other warning signs? Book a consultation with Magnet Health’s expert cardiologists today.
Rule out All Non-Cardiac Causes of Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)
Most episodes of Xerostomia occur due to benign factors. Here are the common causes to be ruled out before being worried about a heart attack:
Medications: Consult with your family doctor and remind him of the medications you take for your chronic health issues. Also, inform him if you have recently taken any new medicines due to an acute health disorder. More than 400 drugs, which include antidepressants, hypertension medications, antihistamines, etc., can cause dry mouth. Your doctor will tell you whether any medicines you take can be responsible.
Dehydration: If you don’t drink enough fluids, developing Xerostomia is normal. Xerostomia due to dehydration is also common among people who participate in high-intensity workout sessions or perform laborious jobs but haven’t increased their fluid intake accordingly. If dehydration is the cause of your dry mouth, sipping one or two glasses of water should resolve the problem.
Mouth Breathing: Xerostomia is common in people who sleep with their mouth open. You can also face the issue when suffering from nasal congestion that forces you to keep your mouth open when sleeping. It happens because the oral tissues dry out when the mouth remains open for a prolonged period.
Underlying Health Disorders: Chronic dry mouth is common among diabetics and people suffering from autoimmune disorders such as Sjögren’s syndrome.
Why Do People Develop a Dry Mouth During Heart Attacks?
A stressed heart sends the human body into the “fight or flight” mode. It’s a physiological stress response that forces the body to stop or reduce all non-essential functions. Saliva production is one such function.
The reduction in saliva production allows blood flow to ignore the salivary glands temporarily and prioritise the heart and the specialised involuntary muscle responsible for cardiac pumping (myocardium). This makes dry mouth a common symptom of a heart attack.
When Should You Assume That You May Have Dry Mouth Due to a Heart Attack?
Dry mouth typically cannot be the only heart attack symptom. Some additional changes that indicate that your dry mouth may have links with your cardiac health are:
- Chest Pain: Heart attack pain usually occurs in the centre of the chest. It is a pain accompanied by a feeling of heaviness.
- Pain in the Jaw: Do you have a radiating jaw ache or a lingering discomfort in your jaw? These changes are common during a heart attack. You should also be wary of pain and discomfort in your shoulders, neck, and back.
- Breathing Difficulties: It’s common for patients to experience breathing difficulties during heart attacks. This may happen without or with chest pain,
- Light-headedness and nausea: Are you feeling dizzy or have you fainted? Visiting a cardiologist is advisable if you experience these symptoms with a dry mouth. Some patients also develop stomach pain and experience vomiting.
- Extreme Fatigue: If you feel extremely tired despite having enough sleep, you need a medical evaluation.
- Excessive Sweating: You have a dry mouth and suddenly started sweating. Do get yourself checked by a doctor if you have the combination of these two symptoms.
Conclusion
Whenever you have persistent dry mouth, you should consult a doctor to rule out the possibility of cardiac disorders. For people in the Bronx, the best place to visit for a cardiac checkup is Magnet Health, the most trusted clinic in this part of the world. You can book an appointment with top cardiologists practicing in the Bronx, NY, United States.
