Dr. Jordan Sudberg on the Critical Link Between Chronic Pain and Heart Disease

Chronic pain is more than just a persistent discomfort—it can have profound effects on overall health, including the heart. Emerging research increasingly highlights the complex relationship between chronic pain conditions and cardiovascular disease. For patients and clinicians alike, understanding this connection is essential for comprehensive care.

Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a leading pain management specialist, emphasizes that addressing chronic pain isn’t just about relief—it’s also about reducing long-term health risks, including those related to heart health.

“Chronic pain and heart disease don’t just coexist by coincidence—they influence each other in ways we’re still unraveling,” says Dr. Sudberg. “Recognizing this relationship helps us treat patients more effectively and holistically.”

In this post, we’ll explore how chronic pain impacts heart health, why this relationship matters, and how Dr. Sudberg incorporates this knowledge into patient care.

 

Understanding Chronic Pain and Its Systemic Effects

Chronic pain—defined as pain lasting longer than three months—can stem from conditions such as arthritis, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and lower back pain. Beyond localized discomfort, chronic pain triggers ongoing inflammation and stress responses in the body.

Dr. Jordan Sudberg explains:

“Persistent pain activates the sympathetic nervous system—the body’s fight-or-flight response—leading to elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and hormone release. Over time, this chronic stress can strain the cardiovascular system.”

These physiological changes contribute to increased risk factors for heart disease, including:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure) 
• Elevated cortisol levels (stress hormone) 
• Inflammation of blood vessels 
• Insulin resistance and metabolic changes 

 

How Chronic Pain Elevates Heart Disease Risk

Several studies have shown a strong correlation between chronic pain and heart disease. Patients with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or chronic back pain often exhibit higher rates of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.

Dr. Sudberg highlights three key pathways linking pain to heart health:

1. Inflammation

Chronic pain is often accompanied by systemic inflammation, which damages arterial walls and promotes atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). This accelerates plaque buildup, increasing the risk of heart attacks.

2. Stress and Autonomic Dysfunction

Continuous pain keeps the nervous system in a heightened state of alert. This sympathetic overdrive results in persistently high blood pressure and heart rate, which can weaken the heart over time.

3. Lifestyle Factors

Pain often limits physical activity, contributing to obesity, poor cardiovascular fitness, and unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or poor diet. These lifestyle factors further compound heart disease risk.

 

The Role of Mental Health in the Pain-Heart Connection

Chronic pain frequently coexists with depression and anxiety, which independently raise the risk for heart disease.

Dr. Jordan Sudberg stresses the importance of addressing psychological health:

“Mood disorders linked to chronic pain worsen inflammation and autonomic dysfunction. Treating mental health is essential for reducing cardiovascular risks.”

Mind-body approaches—like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), meditation, and stress reduction—play a vital role in comprehensive pain and heart disease management.

 

How Dr. Jordan Sudberg Integrates Heart Health into Pain Management

As a pain management specialist, Dr. Sudberg takes a multidisciplinary approach that considers cardiovascular health in treatment planning.

Some key strategies include:

• Thorough cardiovascular screening before initiating pain therapies. 
• Encouraging safe physical activity to improve heart and joint health. 
• Prescribing medications mindful of their effects on blood pressure and heart rhythm. 
• Integrating stress management techniques and mental health support. 
• Coordinating care with cardiologists and primary care providers for holistic oversight. 

“Pain management is not just about symptom control—it’s about preserving overall health and preventing secondary complications like heart disease,” Dr. Sudberg explains.

 

What Patients Can Do to Protect Their Heart While Managing Pain

Dr. Jordan Sudberg recommends patients with chronic pain take proactive steps to support heart health:

• Stay active within pain limits—activities like walking, swimming, or gentle yoga improve cardiovascular fitness. 
• Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids. 
• Manage stress through mindfulness, therapy, or relaxation techniques. 
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. 
• Work closely with healthcare providers to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. 

“Managing chronic pain effectively can itself reduce heart disease risk,” Sudberg notes. “It’s about breaking the cycle.”

 

Final Thoughts: Pain and Heart Health Are Inseparable

Chronic pain and heart disease are deeply intertwined, influencing each other in complex and impactful ways. Dr. Jordan Sudberg’s expertise highlights that treating pain without considering cardiovascular health can miss a critical opportunity for improving patient outcomes.

“When we treat the whole patient—not just the pain—we help them live longer, healthier, and fuller lives,” says Dr. Sudberg.

If you suffer from chronic pain, talk to your healthcare provider about comprehensive assessments that include heart health. Awareness and early action can make all the difference.