Cardiac Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Palpitations and dizziness may be early signs
Fainting can signal heart rhythm problems
Symptoms may overlap with autonomic dysfunction
Early recognition helps prevent complications
Cardiac symptoms of Lyme disease occur when infection affects the heart and its electrical conduction system. Patients may develop palpitations, dizziness, fainting, or abnormalities in heart rhythm as part of Lyme infection.
Although less common than neurologic or musculoskeletal symptoms, cardiac involvement can be serious if not recognized early.
These symptoms may appear alongside fatigue, neurologic symptoms, or autonomic dysfunction, which can make diagnosis more difficult.
Heart involvement is most commonly associated with Lyme carditis, where inflammation disrupts normal electrical signaling in the heart.
Common Cardiac Symptoms of Lyme Disease
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting (syncope)
- Chest discomfort
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Shortness of breath
In some cases, Lyme carditis can lead to heart block or serious rhythm disturbances.
Cardiac Symptom Patterns
Cardiac symptoms of Lyme disease typically fall into several recognizable patterns:
- Electrical conduction abnormalities – Lyme carditis may cause varying degrees of heart block.
- Palpitations and rhythm disturbances – irregular or rapid heartbeats.
- Syncope or near-syncope – fainting due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
- Autonomic-related symptoms – heart rate instability linked to autonomic dysfunction.
Some patients with palpitations or rapid heart rate may have features of POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), reflecting autonomic involvement rather than primary structural heart disease.
Key Cardiac Conditions Linked to Lyme Disease
- Lyme carditis
- Heart block and Lyme disease
- Palpitations in Lyme disease
- Fainting and syncope in Lyme disease
- Lyme myocarditis
Why Cardiac Lyme Disease Can Be Missed
Cardiac symptoms caused by Lyme disease can resemble other conditions.
Patients are often initially evaluated for:
- Primary arrhythmias
- Anxiety or panic disorders
- Dehydration
- Primary autonomic disorders
This overlap can delay diagnosis.
For more, see Lyme disease misdiagnosis.
When to Consider Lyme Disease
Lyme disease should be considered when cardiac symptoms occur in patients who:
- Have recent outdoor exposure
- Live in or visited a Lyme-endemic area
- Have accompanying neurologic or systemic symptoms
- Have unexplained rhythm disturbances
Early recognition can prevent progression to more serious complications.
Related Hubs
- Neurologic Lyme Disease
- Autonomic Dysfunction
- Lyme Disease Fatigue
- Persistent Lyme Disease Mechanisms
- Recovery from Lyme Disease
- Lyme Disease Symptoms Guide
Clinical Takeaway
Cardiac symptoms of Lyme disease are uncommon but potentially serious.
Palpitations, fainting, or rhythm changes should prompt evaluation—especially in patients with possible exposure.
Timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications.
Dr. Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH
Lyme disease clinician with over 30 years of experience and past president of ILADS.
Symptoms • Testing • Coinfections • Recovery • Pediatric • Prevention
