Q. Can you have a heart attack if your blood sugar levels are too low?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Yes, severe hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar levels) can potentially lead to serious health complications, including a heart attack, if left untreated. When blood sugar levels drop too low, the brain and other organs may not receive enough glucose (sugar) for proper functioning, which can result in a range of symptoms and even life-threatening situations.

Hypoglycemia can affect the heart and cardiovascular system in several ways:

Decreased Energy Supply: The heart muscles require glucose as an energy source to function properly. Insufficient glucose due to low blood sugar can affect the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.

Arrhythmias: Severe hypoglycemia can lead to irregular heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias. This can disrupt the normal electrical signals in the heart and potentially lead to a heart attack or other cardiac events.

Stress Response: Hypoglycemia triggers a stress response in the body, leading to the release of hormones like adrenaline. This stress response can strain the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of heart-related complications.

Blood Vessel Constriction: Low blood sugar levels can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart. Reduced blood flow can increase the risk of heart-related problems.

It's important to note that the risk of a heart attack due to low blood sugar is typically higher in individuals who already have underlying heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease. Additionally, certain factors like age, diabetes duration, and the rate at which blood sugar drops can influence the severity of the impact on the cardiovascular system.

To prevent severe hypoglycemia and its potential complications, individuals with diabetes should:
Monitor blood sugar levels regularly and as recommended by their healthcare provider.
Take diabetes medications (including insulin) as prescribed and in appropriate doses.
Be mindful of the timing and content of meals and snacks.
Be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and treat it promptly by consuming a source of glucose (such as fruit juice, glucose tablets, or candy) as advised by their healthcare provider.