Pmr and heart attack

[Trappybird]

Hi thereI'm writing for my husband. He had pmr for about 18 months diagnosed after a bout of covid. He did really well with the steroids, they worked to manage the symptoms and he took his last dose in February.

Previously he was a fit, healthy and strong person. Pmr definitely took some of his muscle strength and I think it slowed him down too. It he was back to his walking regime (ex postman so happy on his feet)

However a month ago he had a heart attack and had to have a stent fitted. Nobody can pin point a cause, no problems with blood pressure, cholesterol, no family history, doesn't smoke, isn't over weight and drinks only moderately.

I can't help wondering if the two are connected. Pmr and heart issues. There is one small study out there that shows a connection but I wonder if any of you have any experience of this and if there is anything we can do to keep his heart healthy from here?

Sorry long post, thanks for reading

Debbie

[SheffieldJane]

It’s a worry isn’t it? There are so many factors that could have led to a heart attack not least a genetic predisposition. Covid is leaving people with all kinds of complications as is becoming increasingly apparent. An autoimmune illness will put a strain on bodily systems, as will steroid use. Perhaps a perfect storm caused this? I haven’t formed the impression that PMR is an outstanding factor in heart disease however, we are in the age group. As for care. I would do all the obvious things involving regular, moderate exercise and a healthy diet. I have found the British Heart Foundation a good website to subscribe to. I am glad that your husband recovered from this and sincerely hope that he continues to live a long and happy life, with your support I feel sure that he will. Best wishes!

[Trappybird in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks sheffieldjane, I will have a look at the British heart foundation website. We have made a few changes, more fish etc. I am starting to wonder if covid is involved too. Best wishes

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I think it is far more likely it was the Covid leftovers - it is an insidious beast although there is said to be a high correlation with PMR.

jacc.org/doi/10.1016/S0735-....

It is an American study though - and found the association greater amongst younger patients. My suspicions are aroused by the claim they had PMR patients in their 40s - you try finding a doctor who will diagnose it in a 40 year old!!!! Diet must be a critical factor too.

On the other hand, this

heart.bmj.com/content/102/5...

carried out in the UK found no links between PMR/GCA and 12 different cardiovascular events.

If there were a major link, then I;d have expected a lot more heart attacks to have been reported on the forums but there haven't been very many at all.

Hope his recovery is uneventful!

[Trappybird in reply to PMRpro]

Thank pmrpro.i think your first study was the one I read. I'll have a look at the second one. Yes I guess more would have been mentioned on here. Maybe it's just a mystery. I always like to know why but perhaps we can't.best wishes

[SnazzyD]

I guess you’ll never know but Covid is definitely linked to increased risk of cardiovascular events.

[HeronNS]

I gather that the inflammation of PMR can lead to an increase in heart conditions. But so can SARS-CoV-2, and possibly it was a combination of factors which led to your husband's heart attack. Hopefully he recovers fully. 🌷

[Trappybird in reply to HeronNS]

Heron's you are right, I wicked combination. He's on the road to recovery thanks and best wishes