Is Carpal Tunnel A Sign Of Heart Disease? Here's What We Know

If you've ever dealt with carpal tunnel syndrome, you know how even something as simple as typing can turn into a painful experience. Tingling or sharp pain shoots through your wrist as the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passage in your wrist called the carpal tunnel, gets compressed. Repetitive movements like typing or using a mouse can strain the tendons in your wrist, causing swelling that puts pressure on the nerve. And without treatment, carpal tunnel tends to get worse over time. (Learn how to tell the difference between carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.)

Carpal tunnel isn't just about wrist pain, though. It can be linked to other health issues like diabetes, thyroid imbalances, or rheumatoid arthritis. According to a 2024 study in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, carpal tunnel syndrome could even be a red flag for heart trouble. The study found that people with carpal tunnel syndrome were nearly three times more likely to develop cardiac amyloidosis. Cardiac amyloidosis occurs when abnormal proteins build up in the heart, making it harder to pump blood. Over time, that extra strain can weaken the heart and lead to heart failure.

Your liver makes certain proteins, but sometimes these proteins form abnormal fragments (called amyloid) due to aging or genetics, according to Henry Ford Health. While it's normal to have these amyloid proteins, they sometimes settle into areas in your body such as the carpal tunnel. Eventually, these proteins can settle into your heart, affecting its ability to function. If you're diagnosed with carpal tunnel, it's possible that a heart disease diagnosis could follow five to 10 years later on average. (Here's the difference between carpal tunnel and arthritis.)

Carpal tunnel syndrome doesn't necessarily lead to heart disease. Only about one in five people with carpal tunnel will be diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis. If your carpal tunnel requires surgery or occurs in both hands at the same time, that may be an early warning sign that may be linked to amyloidosis. Carpal tunnel may also be a red flag for cardiac amyloidosis if you also have neuropathy in your legs or orthopedic issues such as a rotator cuff injury. Adults over 60 and people of African descent may also be at a higher risk of amyloidosis if they also have carpal tunnel.

Carpal tunnel syndrome doesn't always show up as simple wrist pain from typing, and it may not result from a specific injury. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the burning or tingling sensation in your fingers can be severe enough to wake you at night, especially if you sleep with your wrists bent. Carpal tunnel may also radiate up the forearm or into the shoulder. If you're having trouble buttoning clothes or find yourself frequently dropping objects, those could also be signs of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Some people are more prone to developing carpal tunnel. Women and people with smaller carpal tunnels may be at higher risk of irritating the median nerve. Conditions like arthritis or past wrist fractures can also increase the likelihood of developing carpal tunnel. Inflammatory conditions such as gout can cause swelling in the tendons of the wrist, further contributing to nerve compression.

Treating carpal tunnel early often means taking breaks from (or avoiding) the activities that trigger your symptoms. Wearing a wrist splint for a few months or getting a corticosteroid injection can help if symptoms are mild (here are some carpal tunnel exercises). Even if your symptoms come and go, it's important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying heart conditions that could be associated with carpal tunnel. If surgery is needed to relieve pressure on the median nerve, ask your doctor to take a biopsy of the wrist tissue to check for amyloidosis.