Pancreas

The pancreas is a glandular organ located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. It has two main functions: an exocrine function (producing digestive enzymes released into the small intestine to aid digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) and an endocrine function (producing hormones that regulate blood sugar levels, secreted directly into the bloodstream).

The endocrine portion of the pancreas consists of clusters of cells called the islets of Langerhans. Beta cells produce insulin (the hormone that lowers blood glucose by enabling cells to take up and use glucose) and alpha cells produce glucagon (which raises blood glucose when it falls too low). This system is central to glucose homeostasis.

The pancreas is relevant to cardiovascular health primarily through its role in diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, autoimmune destruction of beta cells causes absolute insulin deficiency. In type 2 diabetes, progressive beta cell dysfunction combined with insulin resistance produces inadequate insulin secretion. Both forms of diabetes are major cardiovascular risk factors, significantly increasing the risk of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest. Poorly controlled blood glucose damages blood vessel walls and accelerates atherosclerosis.

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) can cause electrolyte disturbances and metabolic derangement that may occasionally predispose to cardiac arrhythmias.