Cardiac issues

[Janann25]

Last Wednesday I experienced chest tightness accompanied by BP of 220/102 So I rang 111 and was then taken to A&E where it wasn’t clear whether I had actually had a heart attack so was kept in for observation. After further tests it was decided that I needed an angiogram but, because it was already Friday by then, I would have to stay in the Acute Cardiac Unit over the weekend - no Cath Lab operational at the weekend.

So this morning I have had a long consultation with the consultant - plus an entourage of 3 junior doctor and 2 nurses - where he decided the angiogram needs to be done today. Anyway, the reason for this post is to let you know that he feels “there is a possibility that this could be related to PMR” I will let you know the outcome of this when I get some more results.

Just wondering whether anyone of you has had something similar?

[SheffieldJane]

I am sorry that you had this worrying experience, glad you got the appropriate medical help quickly.My diagnosis is PMR (5 years) and then about a year ago GCA/LVV. I have recently had a cardiac MRI scan and have been called back for more detailed tests, particularly looking at my carotid and Aortic arteries. GCA - Large vessel Vasculitis can affect the Aorta and I suspect this is what they are looking for. There will be a halo effect visible on the artery if that is the case.. This is maybe what your doctors mean, as the diseases are closely related. My temple arteries are not affected so far, the evidence of GCA/LVV was spotted in my left armpit during a specialist ultrasound scan last year. Let us know the outcome Janann25. Best wishes!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

At the best for your procedure - and let us know outcome please .

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I have paroxysmal a/fib - which can cause similar symptoms to those you describe, including raised troponin levels (which is probably the first thing they check in patients with cardiac symptoms to rule out a heart attack but several things can cause it to rise). The cardiologist is confident that mine is linked to the PMR - it started mildly in the early months of the PMR symptoms appearing - the autoimmune part of the PMR has damaged the electrical cells in the sinus node, the mechanism that governs heart rate and rhythm. I have never had an angiogram - lots of other things though!!

I'm on medication to reduce both the arrhythmia and heart rate - which it does reasonably well - and since I also develop bradycardia (very slow heart rate) at times I also have a pacemaker to deal with that. It is definitely worse when the PMR is worse and part of my relatively high pred dose is to manage the vasculitis which definitely makes the a/fib worse. As does exhaustion and stress as I discovered recently when my husband was so ill and then died - although it does seem to be improving again now.

[SheffieldJane in reply to PMRpro]

I just wanted to hug you when you said that. 💜

[Grammy80 in reply to PMRpro]

You always put me in awe of your courage...and make me feel like I've had a cakewalk. OR don't tell me I have all this to look forward too 🙈🙉🙊OOH, NO~!!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Grammy80]

I don't see it as courage - it is there, I have to get on with it. Loads of people worse than me!

[Grammy80 in reply to PMRpro]

....and we don't have to look too far, do we? I still think you are unique...you probably. are in bed or will be going shortly. Sleep well and have a good day tomorrow.💖

[piglette]

I have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation which they reckon was caused by the PMR and steroids.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

Mine was definitely not the pred!! Wasn't on it!

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

I suppose they blame pred for everything when they haven’t a clue.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

Very likely!

[Brantuk]

I had exactly the same symptoms about 5yrs ago with an almost identical BP of 220/110. I was whisked off to hospital for a thorough cardiac investigation like yourself. I already knew I had GCA. A cat scan and subsequent mri scan revealed aortitis (inflammation of the aorta) and most other arteries were inflamed too. There was also a large fast growing aneyurism on my aortic arch. The arch had to be replaced in order to prevent a fatal rupture. I had an angiogram a week or two before the operation which I think was done as part of the op planning. Prior to all this I had a whole bunch of heart race episodes which eventually stopped me lying down, I even had to sleep sitting up in bed. Since recovering from the op, which took about 6mths overal, I've been ok and 7mg pred/day controls my inflamation well.

[Grammy80 in reply to Brantuk]

So glad you are doing well~!💖

[Nextoneplease in reply to Brantuk]

Wow!!! So glad you’re better now, that sounds like quite an episode!! 💐x

[Broseley]

I too have paroxysmal AF but started in 2012 and only developed PMR and GCA recently. I've never had any symptoms, other than palpitations but it was picked up on a routine ECG. I had to wear a heart monitor for a week, during which time there was one incident lasting 2 seconds so they put me on apixaban and bisoprolol. A bit miffed about that as I can't take NSAIDS and once the inflammation started, I really needed something. Also it means any travel insurance costs a packet!However re a relationship with PMR, I have noticed a big increase in palps but I think that's the pred, as they only started after that was prescribed. Blood pressure has shot up too.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Broseley]

It makes no difference to my travel insurance - but then, I don't live in rip off Britain and our travel insurance is rather more expensive anyway for everyone. I also take NSAIDs if needed (with great care) despite my anticoagulant medication (Pradaxa/dabigatran) - but they do nothing at all for the PMR pain, just the add-ons so in that context you aren't missing much.

[Grammy80]

Dear Janann, I wish you well and am thankful you are under good watch....💖

[Janann25 in reply to Grammy80]

Thank you. I came home today with triple the amount of previous BP medication - and still a fast heartbeat! I’ve decided not to check my BP any more - I’m sure that it increases because I worry about it. Unfortunately, I hear my heartbeat very plainly so can’t ignore that!!

[Nextoneplease in reply to Janann25]

Take care of yourself Janann 💐and I agree, too much self monitoring of blood pressure can be counterproductive. Relax if you can, and I hope you get good GP follow up x

[Grammy80 in reply to Janann25]

Well, just not checking it all may not be the best choice, Janann🤔. The home health nurse used to tell me to sit still with both feet flat on the floor for 5-7 minutes, along with some deep breathing....to relax, and then take it. How about every other day?💖

[Janann25 in reply to Grammy80]

If I’m really truthful, I don’t want to take it in case it’s high again and then I’ll worry, which which put it up even more!! I think a period of “ignorance is bliss” is required!!

[asoth]

Yes! A few weeks ago I had chest tightness/ heaviness and my BP was 206 over heaven knows what. Went to A&E -- not fun after 5 hours! - had all the tests, including a blood test which ruled out a heart attack. When I said I was on steroids for PMR, Hospital said that would account for my high BP and put the rest down to stress. Saw GP afterwards and told him what hospital had said and, for FIRST time, he said yes, steroids could affect my BP and put me onto BP medication. If he knew this , then why on earth did he take me OFF the BP medication I was on at that time ( while on steroids!) as I have had a BP problem for many years!!!!!??????I do hope you are now sorted out - it is VERY scary.

[Janann25 in reply to asoth]

I was really interested to read your reply to me. I’ve been trying to find out more detail regarding my “attack” and, just today, I’ve discovered that the Cardiac Unit is referring me to Rheumatology. I’d read previously that there is a connection between PMR and heart problems but now I learn that steroid treatment is also a contributing factor. This PMR has got a lot to answer for!!