Cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, is a risk for people living with systemic mastocytosis (SM), with mast cells contributing to the buildup of plaque on the artery walls (atherosclerosis).
This affects the heart and the blood vessels, upping the risk of heart attack or stroke. Symptom management, lifestyle modifications and close monitoring will help reduce the risk of heart disease.
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What is SM?
SM is a rare white blood cell disorder that can affect adults, both men and women. It is genetic, but not hereditary and occurs following a random mutation of the KIT gene.
As part of the immune system, mast cells release histamineHistamine A chemical released by mast cells when they are activated. Histamine causes many of the allergy-type symptoms in mastocytosis, including flushing, itching and hives. and other chemicals into the bloodstream when they detect a potential allergen or bacteria in the body, causing an allergic reaction. This allergic reaction intensifies in systemic mastocytosisMastocytosis Rare disease caused by the buildup of mast cells. Cutaneous mastocytosis primarily affects the skin and is more common in children, while systemic mastocytosis affects internal organs and is more common in adults. where mast cells proliferate abnormally and accumulate in the connective tissue in the skin, organs and bone marrow.
This triggers symptoms such as inflamed, itchy, flushed skin, hives, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, mood changes, joint pain and palpitations. AnaphylaxisAnaphylaxis A severe allergic reaction that can turn fatal without treatment. Patients with SM are at a higher risk of developing anaphylaxis. is also a risk in severe symptom episodes.
Symptom management and medical treatment
SM has no cure, and as a chronic disease, the focus is on symptom management and medical treatment. AntihistaminesAntihistamines Medications that block the effects of histamine, the chemical found in mast cells that is responsible for many of the symptoms of SM, as well as many allergic reactions. are standard treatment, but other medications may be recommended by your healthcare team.
Avoiding symptom flare-ups is an essential part of maintaining quality of life and supporting overall health. Triggers vary from person to person, and include sudden changes in temperature, friction on the skin, physical and emotional stress, spicy food, alcohol, certain medications and high-histamine foods, infection and insect bites.
Complications of SM as the disease progresses may include, bone fractures, blood disorders, peptic ulcers, liver problems and damage to organs, including the heart.
Maintaining good heart health
To maintain good heart health, patients with SM are advised to adopt a healthy low-histamine diet and lifestyle, quit smoking, limit alcohol, exercise regularly and manage stress and anxiety.
These steps need to be balanced with medical advice on avoiding systemic mastocytosis symptom triggers. For example, low impact physical activity is advised to avoid physical exertion, and certain foods are to be avoided as they are high in histamines, such as citrus, spinach, tomatoes and bananas.
Reducing stress will also help manage symptoms, including palpitations and dizziness, which can be brought on by high or low blood pressure.
Read more about histamine: “What is a low-histamine diet for systemic mastocytosis?”
