Aortic stenosis

[Numberone1]

I'm sorry if I'm clogging up this feed with a subject that's inappropriate to it but I'm doing as much research as I can with my new diagnosis. I have been diagnosed with moderate to severe aortic stenosis. I am only 59 and the cause at this age can be a connective tissue disorder such as lupus.

Because of the major rheumatic pain I've been experiencing over time I have been trying to get this kind of diagnosis to no avail. And now I have this. Can anyone give me advice on this please and whether you have Lupus that has damaged your heart?

S

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Numberone1 ,

Do you have any other symptoms in addition to the aortic stenosis and rheumatic pain? Are you under the care of a rheumatologist for the rheumatism?

If you are concerned that you may have some form of connective tissue disease it is worth asking your GP or consultant whether they can do some blood tests. An antinuclear antibody (ANA) test would be a good place to start as this is usually positive in people with autoimmune conditions. A positive result could then indicate that further investigations are needed.

If you would like more information about lupus and how it is diagnosed, we have a free pack which you can request or download from our website at lupusuk.org.uk/request-info...

[Johnnyb10]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with lupus in 2011 and was told I had lupus for 5 years previous. In 2016 at a routine lupus check up it was found I had a heart murmur. Further tests revealed a severe leak in the aortic valve that required surgery (it was later confirmed that lupus had caused the leak). In Aug 2016 I had heart valve replacement surgery at Bart's hospital.

I am fully recovered and back running 3 times a week, in fact some of my times are faster than 4 years ago. So yes it can affect the heart but certainly you can recover and be back to leading an active life. If you need to ask anything feel free to do so

John