Management strategies for peripheral neuropathy in cardiovascular patients

In addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle, the adequate supplementation of essential micronutrients is vital for the effective prevention and improvement of peripheral neuropathy symptoms in cardiovascular patients.

Assoc. Prof. Pham Nguyen Vinh, Director of the Cardiovascular Center at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, shared this during the scientific seminar “Optimizing Care for Cardiovascular Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy Complications & Skin Damage Recovery,” held on January 23, 2026, at the Tam Anh Research Institute (part of the Tam Anh General Hospital System). The program was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Pham Nguyen Vinh, with specialized reports from doctors at the Cardiovascular Center and the Tam Anh Research Institute.

From left: Dr. Tran Vu Minh Thu, Assoc. Prof. Pham Nguyen Vinh, a sponsor representative, and Dr. Hoang Trong Tin, at the scientific seminar on January 23

Cardiovascular patients at risk of peripheral neuropathy complications

The human nervous system consists of two parts: the central nervous system (comprising the brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system, which connects the nerves from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body—including the upper limbs (arms, forearms, hands), lower limbs (thighs, legs, feet), internal organs, joints, and even the mouth, eyes, ears, nose, and skin. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves are damaged or destroyed by toxins or external mechanical injury, rendering them unable to send messages between the brain/spinal cord and the muscles, skin, and other organs.

Common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include sensory disturbances such as numbness in the limbs, motor disorders like weakness or paralysis, throbbing or electric-shock-like pain upon skin stimulation, loss of balance, difficulty coordinating movements, and muscle spasms. If not treated early and correctly, the condition can easily lead to skin damage (burns, ulcers), infections, and falls.

Assoc. Prof. Pham Nguyen Vinh explained that in patients with myocardial ischemia or heart failure, blood flow to the heart is reduced, which consequently decreases the heart’s ability to pump blood to other organs. This leads to a deficiency of oxygen and essential nutrients for the nerves, causing nerve damage. Additionally, cardiovascular diseases increase inflammation, worsening nerve damage and reducing sensitivity in the limbs. Some patients with coronary artery stenosis also experience peripheral neuropathy because the narrowed or blocked vessels feeding the heart limit the oxygen supply to the peripheral nerves.

Notably, cardiovascular patients who also have diabetes face an even higher risk. High blood sugar levels can damage the lining of blood vessels, making them prone to blockages that obstruct the supply of oxygen and nutrients, leading to nerve damage.

Dr. Huynh Thanh Kieu, Head of the Cardiovascular Department 2, Cardiovascular Center, Tam Anh General Hospital HCMC, engages in professional discussions during the seminar

Early identification and control of neurological symptoms, alongside establishing timely protocols to restore the skin barrier, are key to preventing infections, preserving limbs, and improving the quality of life for high-risk patients.

Comprehensive health care and improving peripheral neuropathy symptoms

In the report “A Comprehensive Approach to Multimorbid Cardiovascular Patients: The Role of Vitamins B1 – B6 – B12 (3B) in Optimizing Treatment and Improving Quality of Life,” Dr. Tran Vu Minh Thu, Head of the Cardiovascular Department 2, Cardiovascular Center, Tam Anh General Hospital HCMC, emphasized that cardiovascular disease often coexists with conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, frailty, and peripheral neuropathy. Approximately 20-30% of patients with heart failure and peripheral artery disease experience neuromuscular disorders. Specifically, the rate of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic cardiovascular patients can reach 50%, increasing the risk of foot ulcers 15-fold. Skin lesions often progress silently but can lead to severe consequences.

Dr. Tran Vu Minh Thu presents comprehensive health management solutions for chronic cardiovascular patients at the seminar

There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy in cardiovascular patients, including metabolic diseases (thyroid or kidney disease), systemic diseases (vasculitis, presence of paraproteins in the blood), infections (HIV, Hepatitis B, Lyme disease), medications (Amiodarone, chemotherapy), and particularly deficiencies in vitamins B1, B6, B12, vitamin E, and niacin. Therefore, supplementing these micronutrients effectively improves peripheral neuropathy symptoms.

Dr. Thu explained that Vitamin B1 boosts energy for nerve cells (ATP), Vitamin B6 synthesizes neurotransmitters (Serotonin, GABA), and Vitamin B12 regenerates and repairs nerve cells. When these three vitamins work together, they create a “foundational” impact on the energy-nerve-muscle system, helping to reduce symptoms related to Vitamin B deficiency and neuropathic pain while improving mobility and quality of life.

In cardiology, doctors consider prescribing “3B” for cases of heart failure involving long-term diuretic use, fatigue, or reduced exercise tolerance; diabetes with long-term Metformin use accompanied by numbness, pain, anemia, or risk of B12 deficiency; and elderly patients with poor nutrition, muscle weakness, or reduced mobility. 3B is viewed as a “supportive tool” in the comprehensive management of chronic cardiovascular patients by selecting the right risk groups, monitoring symptom response, and ensuring proper storage for efficacy.

In the report “Mechanism and Efficacy of Mucopolysaccharides in Thrombophlebitis Treatment,” MSc. Hoang Trong Tin, Specialist in Pharmaceutical Scientific Research and Clinical Trials at the Tam Anh Research Institute, stated that Mucopolysaccharide polysulfate (MPS) is a semi-synthetic glycosaminoglycan with multiple effects on blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, and platelet function. Consequently, MPS is used for anticoagulation, anti-thrombosis, anti-inflammation, and tissue regeneration. Regarding peripheral symptoms, MPS is effective in improving hematomas, bruising, varicose veins, superficial thrombophlebitis, and preventing pressure ulcers.

Dr. Hoang Trong Tin presents solutions for rapid skin healing in patients with inflammation or ulcers caused by peripheral neuropathy

To prevent and control peripheral neuropathy, cardiovascular patients should monitor their blood sugar levels and maintain a scientific diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. Patients are encouraged to exercise regularly to promote blood flow to the nerves and avoid smoking, alcohol, and prolonged stress, as these can decrease circulation and worsen nerve damage. damage.