Fibromyalgia: Chronic Pain Due to a Blood Dysfunction?

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Hematology
• Pain Medicine

Background:

• Fibromyalgia (FM) is a widespread chronic pain disorder affecting all ages, predominantly women.
• The etiology of FM is unclear, but cardiovascular and blood-related factors are implicated.
• Abnormalities in blood counts and vascular function can impair tissue oxygenation, potentially contributing to FM symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review factors affecting oxygen delivery to tissues in fibromyalgia patients.
• To explore the role of blood elements and cardiovascular aspects in the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia.
• To identify potential blood-related interventions for managing chronic pain in FM.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature.
• Analysis of studies examining hemograms, blood indexes, and vascular function in FM.
• Synthesis of evidence linking blood parameters and oxygenation to FM symptoms.

Main Results:

• Blood test results in FM patients often show values at or near normal limits, or outside normal ranges.
• Vascular regulation of blood flow can be compromised, impacting tissue oxygenation.
• Hypoxia and blood-related factors are strongly suggested as underlying causes for many FM symptoms.

Conclusions:

• The physio-pathological basis of most fibromyalgia symptoms appears to be related to blood and cardiovascular function.
• Blood-related interventions show promise for managing fibromyalgia.
• Further research into the cardiovascular and hematological aspects of FM is warranted.