Fluid on my Heart 😟

[Lucylooloo]

I had appointment with doctor in hospital on Monday (follow up from Scan on heart a while ago). He informed me that I had fluid on my heart (in sac I think he said) he also made comment that I had this prior to my illness ( diagnosed Nov 17) GCA. But I was sick from May 17, not knowing what was wrong ? Also this is the first I ve been told of this. (pericardial effusion) could this just be from GCA as its all fluid/inflamed. Just wondering if anyone has or came across this with GCA. Thanks 🙏 again

[piglette]

I know pericardial effusion can be caused by autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. I am not sure if GCA would cause it or not.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Google "GCA and pericardial effusion" and you will get several links about it - alll medical so not easy to understand maybe. However - yes, it can be a very rare manifestation in GCA.

link.springer.com/article/1...

[Lucylooloo in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks very much 🙏

[Telian in reply to PMRpro]

Can it cause hardening of the artery wall, which is what I have and a leaky heart valve - as a lifelong non smoker I'm indignant about it! You'll put me right I know...

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Telian]

Hardening of the arterial walls is due to the formation of fat deposits on the inside of the arteries which then become hard because of calcification and narrow the space blood has to flow through. The cholesterol story is based on that although it isn't entirely true as evidence is emerging that it is a chicken and egg situation - unless there are "rough" places on the inside of the artery then plaques need not form - and inflammation causes "roughness". It is far more complex than "you ate too many burgers". And it can start in childhood.

emedicinehealth.com/hardeni...

[Telian in reply to PMRpro]

Interesting, I've never had high cholesterol, and still don't, but started with high blood pressure at 25 even though I was stick thin. I don't have angina or breathlessness or anything indicative of heart problems that way. I've now got numbness that started with pins and needles in tip of nose, tongue, top lip front of groin, back of one knee and both big toes. The left toe is permanently numb and half of the right plus the leg areas. The facial symptoms come and go. I saw MS consultant last Friday and she says they are not from the CNS but nerve endings, peripheral arteries? GP writing to her to ask what she suggests next. Tongue in cheek here - I'm taking K2 as I thought the Adcal was settling where it shouldn't.... I am completely lost with it all.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Telian]

Peripheral nerves or peripheral arteries? Or peripheral arteries blocked and stopping the blood flow to the peripheral nerves so both. It's a massively complicated "thing" and probably when it started for you so early they didn't know what they know now. That said - there are many many things they still can't do and unblocking the tiny arteries/capillaries is one.

[Telian in reply to PMRpro]

Nerves I believe, is that the lesser of the two evils? Realised what I’d said too late..,

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Telian]

Don't know - the effect is the same isn't it?

[Hidden]

I am sorry to read this... I hope they are able to treat and cure quickly!!! I'll keep you in my thought and prayers!

[Telian in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Melissa, that’s very kind of you. In the meantime have a lovely holiday and leave the worries behind, they’ll be there when you gat back! xxx

[Mks9558]

Hi Lucy, I was also just told I have Pericardial effusion- how are you doing? What are they doing to test you? I hope you are feeling better! I also have PMP/GCA. Diagnosed 5 weeks and 3 days ago. Just tapered from 60 mg pred to 50 mg this past weekend. I do have some chest tightness from time to time and shortness of breath and high pulse at times. I don’t see cardiologist till mid November...the waiting is stressful.

[Lucylooloo in reply to Mks9558]

Think I replied to myself below 🤪for you Mks9558

[Lucylooloo]

Hi I am back with specialist on 1st November so they will check on this again I had a monitor (heart) put on for a week so should have results of this also. I ended up in hospital during week with spiked blood pressure 200/109 so very high now on tablets for that. I am on 12. 5 steroids as from yesterday as felt I need to start again to come down🤔 think the secret is definitely take it slow tapering from 20 mg although I also am on Acterma injection weekly. A lot of stress recently so focusing on my mind and what goes on it there 🤔🤔 went to mindfulness class last night found it great. Good luck I will keep you informed of how I get on next week 💕