Sweaty palms due to strenuous activities, heat, or when you are tense are normal which happens to everyone. However, the sweaty palms that happened though relaxing, is often associated with symptoms of heart disease. Its that true?
Hands that often sweat can be related to hyperhidrosis, which is a condition in which a person sweats excessively even though he is not active or hot. Excessive sweating can also occur in other areas, such as the face, armpits, and soles of the feet.
Recognizing the Causes of Excessive Sweating
It is important to know that excessive sweating is not always a sign of disease. One of the most common causes is a psychological condition, such as anxiety or stress. This is normal for everyone.
Stress and anxiety can increase heart rate and blood pressure, as well as stimulate the body's nerves which can increase sweat production. The most common locations for excessive sweating are the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, armpits, and face, as these areas have the most sweat glands.
However, it never hurts to be vigilant. Excessive sweating can sometimes also indicate a disorder in the body, and one of them is heart disease, as many people worry.
The following are some medical conditions that can cause excessive sweating:
1. Heart disease
When a person suffers from heart disease, the ability of the heart to maintain the blood supply in the body will decrease. As a result, the body will try to adapt by making the heart pump harder. This will activate certain nervous systems that lead to excessive sweating.
2. Thyroid gland disorders
The thyroid gland is the part of the body that functions to produce thyroid hormones. Disorders of the thyroid gland can cause the gland to overproduce hormones, leading to an increased heart rate and excessive sweating.
3. Menopause
Menopause is the end of the menstrual cycle in women. Usually, menopause begins when a woman is 45 years old. Due to hormonal changes in the body, most menopausal women experience an increase in body temperature which causes increased sweat production. Usually, this situation occurs mainly at night.
4. Diabetes
Diabetics can experience excessive sweating in the hands or other body parts, if there is a nerve disorder that regulates the function of the sweat glands. In addition, if blood sugar drops drastically due to side effects of drugs for diabetes, the body will also sweat cold.
When Should You See a Doctor?
In general, excessive sweating that occurs only occasionally and is temporary is not caused by a dangerous medical condition. However, you need to be careful if the condition occurs continuously or is accompanied by several other complaints.
If excessive sweating, either on the palms of the hands or other body parts, is accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, fainting, frequent palpitations, weight loss, or a previous history of heart disease, then you need to immediately see a doctor. These symptoms may indicate a medical condition, such as heart disease and thyroid disorders.
To be sure, a complete examination by a doctor is required. If sweaty hands prove to be a sign of disease, special treatment or medication may be required which may need to be taken regularly.
How to Reduce Excessive Sweating of Hands
Although often not caused by a serious medical condition, sweaty hands can interfere with activity and self-confidence. To overcome this, there are several ways you can do, such as:
- Reducing stress or situations that can cause anxiety. For example, by routinely doing relaxation and
- Avoid things that can stimulate sweat gland activity, such as smoking, drinking coffee, or taking drugs that can increase heart rate.
- Using deodorants or ointments that contain antiperspirant to close the pores of the skin where sweat comes out.
- Doing activities in a cool place, and wearing clothes with materials that easily absorb sweat, for example
In conclusion, sweaty palms are not always a sign of heart disease. However, you should immediately consult a doctor if the condition is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations. Especially if you have previously suffered from heart disease.
Written by:
dr. Nadhira Nuraini Afifa