12 Symptoms of Pancreatitis

4. Rapid Heart Rate

The pancreas in patients with pancreatitis can release hormones and toxins that cause an electrolyte imbalance that harms the heart. Half of the patients with a fluctuating heart rate had no previous case of cardiovascular disease. An irregular heartbeat is a sign of acute pancreatitis. You need to seek medical attention to prevent further complications.

5. Diarrhea

Since the function of the pancreas is compromised, the body does not produce the enzymes needed to facilitate digestion. Your digestive system works hard to break down the nutrients you eat. In some cases, diarrhea could be the body’s way of getting rid of toxins. Therefore, diarrhea could be harmless and may not be a sign of the condition. However, if it is accompanied by abdominal pain, it is often a sign of severe pancreatitis. You may also have a fatty and smelly stool, a condition known as steatorrhea. Steatorrhea is caused by improper digestion of fats that result in oily stools.

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