Question

How does peripheral neuropathy affect heart?

Answer 1

Neuropathy is dysfunction or damage of one or more nerves that typically results in tingling, muscle weakness, numbness and pain in the affected area. Neuropathies frequently start in hands and feet, but other parts of the body can be affected too.

Complete answer:
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition, when nerves that carry messages to and from the spinal cord and brain from and to the rest of the body are diseased or damaged.
The peripheral nerves make up a network which connects the spinal cord and brain to the skin, muscles and internal organs. Peripheral nerves come out of the spinal cord and these are arranged along lines in our body referred to as dermatomes. Damage to a nerve typically affects one or more dermatomes that can be tracked to specific areas of the body. Damage to these nerves interrupts the communication between the brain and other parts of the body. This can impair muscle movement, prevent normal sensation in the legs and arms, and cause pain.
Peripheral neuropathy may affect the nerves controlling the automatic functions of our heart and the circulation system (cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy or CAN). Because of its potential adverse effects including the sudden death, CAN is one of the most important forms of autonomic neuropathies. CAN presents with different clinical manifestations including exercise intolerance, arrhythmia, postural hypotension, fluctuation of heart rate and blood pressure, and increased risk of myocardial infarction. As a treatment, we may need to increase our blood pressure or, in some rare cases, a pacemaker.

Note: Peripheral neuropathy can result from infections, traumatic injuries, metabolic problems, exposure to toxins and inherited causes. Diabetes is one of the most common causes.