Could there be a connection between APS and Enlarged Heart?

[zonker]

I'm 58 with APS. At Dr visit last week (regular physical), he said my chest x-ray showed an Enlarged Heart. I'm sceduled for a battery of tests later in the month. Got me wondering if this could have something to do with my APS??? I'm scared. The optic nerves in both my eyes are harmed from APS. I do know that for sure. Please respond. Thank you,

Robyn, USA

[MaryF Administrator]

Hi, there can be many reasons for an enlarged heart and it can be temporary, are you checking out your B12 levels, also D, folate, ferritin etc, for instance folate or B12 deficiency can cause real problems, also low Thyroid function, important to run a very thorough panel of tests, not just a TSH test, obviously this is just regarding some of the reasons, but it is not unusual for us lot to get problems with all of the above. An untreated thyroid can cause terrible problems with the heart.

I enclose this link which shows the wide range of reasons, I am sure your doctor will help you get to the bottom of it and strive to find a solution to help you. mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

MaryF

[zonker in reply to MaryF]

Thank you MaryF for your quick response. I take comfort in knowing an enlarged heart may be temporary and is not necessarily related to APS. I'll keep you posted on any new findings.

[ndstephens49]

I have dialyated cardiomyopathy caused by microvascular clotting. I am in heart failure. I have never had a heart attack or clogged major coronary arteries. It has caused me to need a special pacemaker and cardiac medications. Both of these have helped a great deal.

Nancy in West Virginia

[zonker in reply to ndstephens49]

Blessings to you. Thanks for sharing. My Dad had heart issues

[JGBH]

Hi, sorry to read about your problems. Unfortunately I do not know, byt MaryF has given you very useful information that will be most useful.

May I ask you how your condition affects your optic nerves? What are your symtoms?

Do hope the forthcoming tests will help resolving your problems. Best wishes.

[zonker in reply to JGBH]

Hope this brief note helps answer your question.

Background: My INR is checked 1-4 times a month at a hospital anti-coag clinic depending on the number, usually every 3 weeks. Dose usually stays 42.5 - 45mg per week, range 2.5 - 3.5. Besides miscarriges and other overlooked symptoms of APS in my 20's - 30's, my optic/retinal migraines & sudden vision loss led me to the diagnosis of APS. After ruling out many other diagnosis (tumors, etc) while losing vision in both eyes, I was sent to Neuro-ophthalmology specialist Dr. Nancy J. Newman at Emory in Atlanta, GA. Finally, the APS "sticky blood" was diagnosed. I was put on warfarin and my optic nerves immediately improved (bilaterally less swollen, somewhat better vision - not much worse over the years, etc). I must be screened by a local specialist every 6 months or more depending on my vision. I consider myself one of the lucky ones. Could have gone blind.