Increased risk of heart disease?

I was wondering whether any of my friends on this forum have had any problems with heart disease? I have been having episodes of chest pain at night followed by severe weakness the following day. I know I have preventricular contractions, which isn't considered harmful. I read an article that talks about the increased risk of death due to cardiovascular disease in people with RA: http://www.idph.state.il.us/about/chronic/ra_cvd_fs.htm

Are any of you being treated for heart conditions?

I agree with Teddybearweiser, i would be calling my rheumy immediately also have him send you to a cardiologist. You may need a referral from your Dr. But I would be seeing someone as soon as I could. Hope things will turn out ok. Be praying for you.

Glea

I am in the same boat! Hope you get the help you need. Feel better!

Heart disease and risk of stroke are well recognized complications of RA, especially RA that is untreated. I agree with the others, and as a health care professional myself with RA (and former cardiac nurse) I would encourage you to seek treatment.

Do you have shortness of breath with your chest pain? Diaphoresis (sweating)? Nausea? Arm or jaw pain? These are classic cardiac symptoms that would require treatment, although women (I do not know your gender) often have atypical presentations, and many of these symptoms may be absent.

What medications do you take? Some RA medications like Methotrexate, can cause pulmonary fibrosis (which often presents as shortness of breath, which could cause PVCs). PFTs (pulmonary function testing--lung testing) is usually done for this, along with Xrays. Not having health care insurance is terrible. I do not know if you are eligible for state benefits, but most hospitals can help with the initial paperwork for this. I live in the Northwest and there are a couple of free clinics up here that also treat folks without health insurance, so maybe this is available where you live. Also...any non-profit hospital will have to treat you, regardless of ability to pay. This gives them incentive to help patrons who cannot pay fill out the Medicaid paperwork.

In the meantime, do what you can to minimize your risk: eat well. Don't smoke. Don't drink if you take Methotrexate. Minimize stress (easier said than done, I know). Walking is good exercise, but listen to your body and stop if you develop shortness of breath or too much pain.

Good luck. I hope you find an answer so that you can get the best treatment.

April,

I think that would be a very smart idea. Good luck, dear. I hope it is not cardiac, but you should get it checked out. The heaviness, shortness of breath, and fatigue are concerning symptoms. I would take it easy until you get checked out.
It is best to go at the onset of an attack, and plan on staying the night. We always check serial cardiac enzymes to rule out MI (heart attack). These are done 6 hours apart X 3. Getting checked for pulmonary fibrosis or RA lung complications probably would be good as well. Some of the medications above are often prescribed for inflammatory bowel disease. Do you have this as well?

April,

Wow. I cannot imagine having both RA and IBD. I know that there are many who do. I have taken care of patients with fulminant colitis, and it is a very scary thing.

I don't know enough about Reservatrol to render an informed opinion. I have heard that it may have anti inflammatory and cardioprotective effects, but I do not know how it would interact with any other medications that you are taking. That's always the tough thing with any supplement. Usually there is a lack of research regarding interactions with other medications. I have a couple of good friends that are MDs (mostly trauma and pulmonology though), and I would be happy to ask them. I am working this weekend, so I'll see who is on. One of them is a research nut like me, so maybe he knows something. He spent hours researching Lyme when I came down with it in 2010. Didn't think you could even get that in your backyard in the Pacific Northwest. Lol. Guess I was wrong.

I doubt that the low dose of caffeine would be detrimental. If it is then I am in trouble as well, since I consume tons of tea. LOL.

I am glad that today finds you feeling a bit better.

Stacey

April,

My husband is from the Midwest (Ohio) and I find it funny that he has never had a tick and I got one here in Washington. Lol. I got some crazy idea that I was gonna pull weeds in a bathing suit so I could multi task and get some sun (we don't get much here...so we go nuts when we do). Bad idea. Lol. I won't do that again. Likely just scare my neighbors anyhow. I was so lucky that one of my doctor friends was from the Midwest and knew what the rash was. I thought it was a spider bite. I was laughing about it and showing everyone at work. "One hell of a spider, right?" Lol. Silly me.

The 13 hour shifts aren't too bad since there are only 3 a week. They are tougher with RA though. I never would have guessed how painful this is. Never. I guess I see myself as being able to help spread the word...and encourage RA awareness in the healthcare community. RA gave me a much better understanding of what it is like to live with chronic pain, too. I have met so many inspiring, really strong people...so I am not sorry that I got it. I am determined to take these lemons and try to make some lemonade out of them. lol.

I schedule my methotrexate for my first day off during sleep time so I can get through the worst of it asleep. I am thankful that my schedule and employer allow me to do that. At some point I know that I will have to leave bedside nursing for administration, but I want to put that off for as long as possible. I really love being at the bedside. It's all I know how to do. Been doing it for over 20 years. Sometimes my patients look at me funny when I'm struggling to open something...or whatever...and I have to tell them why. Most are really understanding, but it's kind of humbling. I was super independent before RA. My husband works in the same ICU...so it's a whole lot of togetherness, and he helps me out alot. I am just thankful I can still work, when so many cannot.

Yes, bipolar disorder is a tough one to live with for sure. My oldest son is super smart (like so many of them). He was a published author with his own book at age 18. He gave us a run for our money, though, with some behavioral issues. We still hold hope that he will find his way back to being a productive member of society and finding some joy in life. If I could give the remaining years of my life to make him normal...I would do it in a heartbeat. That is the heartbreaker, right there. I can't fix a broken mind.

My little guy (well...he's almost 15) with the allergies and all...he is the easy one, despite having been on life support several times. At least I can fix that. I know what to do for that. Nurses have to fix things. I think that is how we are wired.

I have a couple of friends with Crohn's and it seems terrible to me, so you must be very strong. Btw..one thing I think I remember reading...Reservatrol can cause diarrhea (I think). Might be a bummer with the UC. Still...the anti-inflammatory effects might be worth it. I have access to some better research sites at the hospital, so I'll see what I can find.

Well, I had another heart "episode" this weekend. Was taken by ambulance to ER. My heart rate in the ambulance was between 250-285! They gave me adenosine by IV which got my heart back to a normal rate. I was admitted and spent the night in the hospital. I will be seeing a cardiologist, tomorrow for followup. Diagnosis is Supraventricular tachycardia. They're going to do some tests to find out what is causing it.

The horrible pain and burning I felt in my left hip and leg turned out to be shingles!!! When it rains, it pours!

On top of all that, my husband never had chicken pox, so now I'm worried I'll infect him.

Interesting article...mentions that people with RA are less likely to complain about chest pains. I guess you get used to being in pain, and it doesn't seem like much at all.


http://arthritis.about.com/od/mortality/a/Rheumatoid-Arthritis-And-Death.htm?nl=1

Post Edited (De La Rosa) : 6/26/2013 10:25:25 AM (GMT-6)

De La Rosa said...
Interesting article...mentions that people with RA are less likely to complain about chest pains. I guess you get used to being in pain, and it doesn't seem like much at all.


http://arthritis.about.com/od/mortality/a/Rheumatoid-Arthritis-And-Death.htm?nl=1

Good point, I can totally see that being the case. My dad had RA and died of a heart attack. -Don

Glad to hear your heart is in good shape. Get some rest and hang in there! -Don