Heart problems?

[muffin]

I have had RA for 8 years, and recently when I had an ECG it was found I had slight heart damage. I have tried to thnk what may have caused it, and wondered if anyone else with RA has had heart damage caused by it.

Muffin.

[Hidden]

I have no idea about this Muffin but it does sound a bit worrying. Can the doctors not explain this but giving you a scan? Do you have any other problems such as high chloresterol perhaps. Both my parents had heart problems, arhythmia and angina and my mother in law has a congenital condition called HOKEM so there are many different reasons why hearts can get damaged or you might have had it for a long time perhaps. Have they told you how you'll be treated yet? TTx

[muffin in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your advice.

Muffin

[Beth58]

Hi, ECG can give an indication that there may be a problem but further tests would be ordered confirm and diagnose. There's lots of reasons why an ECG could show heart damage so no point trying to figure it out yourself.

My GP and Cardiologist both recently told me not to worry about what the ECG showed; Tachycardia and enlarged heart (which freaked me out). Even after a Myocardial Profusion Scan showed some heart failure they both said I should not worry just yet.

I'm having an Echocardiogram this Friday to confirm a diagnosis of heart failure and options for treatment, so until all tests are complete there's no point worrying.

If anything I've came to terms with the fact I 'Might' have a serious heart condition (to go with the other serious conditions), it has given me a weird sort of acceptance and I feel so much more chilled and able to see and enjoy the beauty all around me.

So don't worry and see your doctor and find out what other tests if any, they plan on carrying out.

Beth x

[muffin in reply to Beth58]

Thanks for your advice.

Muffin.

[helixhelix]

Hi there. As others have said there are lots reasons for ECG to show up slight problems, including those not related to RA at all. It's always difficult not to think the worst, but do try as could be very minor. And the other thing to keep in mind is that there's lots of preventative treatment available for heart problems, so chances are that whatever's wrong can be fixed or treated. Better you know now than get taken by surprise when it's worse. Polly

[muffin in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks for your advice.

Muffin.

[Hidden]

Muffin, Because RA is an inflammatory disease, there is a factor of atherosclerosis higher in RA patients, where it can affect the arteries, valves,etc in the cardiac system.

Google: Rheumatoid Arthrits/Heart disease, there are several listings of studies done to verify this.

[muffin in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your advice.

Alyson.