The question of whether breast implants can cause heart palpitations is a growing concern for many individuals who have undergone augmentation or reconstruction. While palpitations are common symptoms with many possible causes, they are increasingly reported by women who also experience a constellation of other systemic issues. This article explores the potential correlation between breast implants and these cardiac symptoms, examining the associated syndrome known as Breast Implant Illness (BII) and the mechanisms that may be involved.
What Are Heart Palpitations?
Heart palpitations are the sensation of being aware of one’s own heartbeat, often described as a sudden thumping, pounding, racing, or fluttering feeling in the chest. They are typically brief and, in many cases, do not signal a serious underlying heart problem. Palpitations can be triggered by common factors like stress, anxiety, strenuous exercise, caffeine, alcohol, or hormonal changes. However, if they occur frequently or are accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath or dizziness, a medical evaluation is warranted to rule out underlying cardiac conditions such as an arrhythmia.
Breast Implant Illness and Systemic Symptoms
Heart palpitations are frequently reported by individuals with breast implants and are often categorized under Breast Implant Illness (BII). BII describes a wide range of systemic symptoms that some patients attribute to their saline or silicone implants. Common symptoms include chronic fatigue, cognitive dysfunction (brain fog), joint and muscle pain, and anxiety. Palpitations, shortness of breath, and irregular heart rhythms represent the cardiorespiratory symptoms reported in this population. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acknowledged the high number of patient reports linking these issues to implants, though BII is not yet recognized as a formal medical diagnosis.
Proposed Biological Mechanisms
The scientific theories explaining the link between breast implants and systemic symptoms, including palpitations, focus primarily on chronic immune system activation. The first major hypothesis involves a chronic inflammatory response triggered by the foreign material. Silicone, a biomaterial, may act as an adjuvant, enhancing the immune response and leading to chronic inflammation that can affect cardiac function. Another proposed pathway involves the dysregulation of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), which controls involuntary functions like heart rate. This immune-mediated dysfunction of the ANS, known as dysautonomia, can result in palpitations and an abnormally fast heart rate. The third mechanism involves implant components, such as silicone “gel bleed” or bacterial biofilm, which can trigger systemic reactions contributing to the inflammatory and autoimmune responses observed in BII.
Diagnostic Steps for Patients
Any patient experiencing palpitations, especially those with breast implants, must first undergo a comprehensive cardiac workup to rule out primary heart disease. This initial step is paramount for safety, as palpitations can signal serious underlying conditions such as structural heart disease or arrhythmias. Standard diagnostic tools include an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), an echocardiogram, and a Holter monitor, which is worn to capture heart rhythms during daily activities. Note that the presence of breast implants can sometimes interfere with the accuracy of non-invasive cardiac tests, potentially resulting in false readings. If the cardiac workup is negative, the physician will then proceed to a differential diagnosis, considering BII as a potential cause after ruling out other conditions like thyroid disorders or underlying autoimmune diseases.
Considering Implant Removal (Explantation)
For patients whose palpitations and other systemic symptoms are strongly suspected to be related to Breast Implant Illness, explantation (surgical removal of the implants) is the primary treatment option. The procedure involves removing both the implant and the surrounding fibrous capsule, often performed as a total or en bloc capsulectomy, to eliminate the source of potential immune stimulation. Many women who undergo explantation report a significant improvement in their BII symptoms, including the resolution of palpitations, within the first month after surgery. However, symptom resolution is not universally guaranteed, and some patients may continue to experience issues post-explant. Patients considering this surgery should consult with a multidisciplinary team, including a plastic surgeon experienced in BII explantation and a cardiologist for medical clearance.