Do other vascultis sufferers get AF or palpitations and if so, do you feel it is connected?

[amms43]

[Albasain]

It is possible that the heart can be affected by vasculitis as in pericarditis and myocarditis as in my case. However this was caused by a viral infection. It is also possible that, again in my case, that right heart block can occur and also dilation of the left atrium. Vasculitis is a weird disease in that we do not really know how it can affect the individual personally, each patient being individually affected in their own right. As it is, I found that the consultants were able to diagnose quickly the condition and arrange the appropriate medication to control the condition. Today I am in remission and live fairly normally. OK I can't do extreme sports anymore but there are always alternatives.............

[Macedon]

Hi. I had a stent inserted nearly 3 years ago after having had a heart attack. I have no doubt that this was a result of damage to my heart from mpa. Prior to the onset of mpa I was extremely fit and a regular gym visitor. MPA has affected my kidneys mainly, though heart and lungs have also been damaged. Fortunately I have been in remission for the past 4 years, though still experience extreme tiredness and fatigue each day.

[RichardE Volunteer]

Hi. I also had a heart attack requiring stenting whilst my vasculitis was raging. I have no real risk factors for heart disease so we are fairly sure it was due to the vasculitis. But there are certain types of vasculitis, such as Takayasu's, that definitely affect the heart and can lead to aneurysms or damage to the heart valves.

Since my heart attack, I occasionally get palpitations and have had a few SVTs that have required intervention. I guess they are indirectly caused by the vasculitis but primarily they'll be due to the damage done to the heart by the MI.