PBC & Heart?

[ginabean]

Does anyone have PBC and heart issues? And if so, did your dr ever say they could be related in any way?

My EKG just came back as abnormal and I have to see a cardiologist on Tuesday. I’m 43 and never had any serious health issues before this past year. It’s been very stressful and I have an anxiety disorder on top of it 🤦🏻‍♀️

[hypnovoice]

Dear Ginabean: My heart issues, for which I underwent an aortic valve replacement and a triple bypass were diagnosed about the same time as my PBC. However, none of my physicians have ever said they could be related.

[Turquoise2075]

Hi Ginabean,

I was diagnosed with PBC just over a year ago. Then a few months back the doctor ordered an EKG as I was experiencing shortness of breath and weakness. She said there was a slight abnormality and I was sent for a heart ultrasound and a stress echocardiogram. The stress echocardiogram was fine. The ultrasound apparently showed a slight valve wall abnormality and some minor mitral valve regurgitation. None of it is of concern and the doctor will just keep an eye on it from time to time. Mostly my shortness of breath has improved now.

I don't think it has any direct relationship with PBC and no medical practitioners have suggested that. I've had very high levels of stress in my life over the past few years and that may have contributed to some physiological symptoms and health issues. I've had a lot of anxiety myself so I sympathise re: the anxiety disorder. I'm gradually learning to kind of just let go in my body as I know a lot of tension and stress have been stored there. I do a yoga class based on yin yoga, also called restorative yoga, which I find really helpful in just slowing everything down in my body and releasing stress. It is a very gentle form of yoga.

Please try not to worry re: seeing the cardiologist. I know it can be overwhelming at first being diagnosed with PBC and then also getting advised there might be a heart abnormality. But just take a day at a time, see what they say and be kind to yourself 💕