Another question on a someone's behalf - Has anyone diagnosed with Wegener's Granulomatosis (GPA) been diagnosed with a heart condition?

[Suzym2u]

Has anyone with WG (GPA) also been diagnosed with a heart problem, if so, what is the problem? Do you take any medication for it? Have you been told it is associated with your WG or not?

thank you

[LynneJ Vasculitis UK Volunteer]

I went for my 2nd ritux treatment on Monday and have been told I am to have a heart check. I asked why and was told that as I have fibrosis of the lung (due to the MPA) that 'could' cause extra pressure on the heart. So it might be possibly GPA related.

If that helps.

[Suzym2u Moderator Vasculitis UK in reply to LynneJ]

thank you, have they said that it would your right ventricle which is involved, if you don't mind me asking?

[LynneJ Vasculitis UK Volunteer in reply to Suzym2u]

Don't know as he doesn't think anything is wrong at the moment but having tests to make sure. I will ask when I have test but haven't got appointment yet so you might have the answer by then.

[Nadine99]

Husband has WG(GPA) and was then diagnosed with angina which led to a triple heart bypass because the arteries had 'furred' up. The doctors put it down to the Wegeners and/or the medications he was taking. All his normal Vasculitis meds plus Pravastatine, Candesartan, Metoprolol, Aspirin.

[Samcar in reply to Nadine99]

I unsure what furred up means, is it the same as clogged. I've been taking meds for 2 years now for Wegener s, now having some weird stuff going on. Chest burns with crushing pain and GP says sounds like angina. Also it seems a subclavian artery has moved causing pressure on the esophagus which causes me to sometimes aspirate fluid into my lungs which in turn get infected. Still waiting for appointments with lung & heart doctors.

[Suzym2u Moderator Vasculitis UK in reply to Samcar]

Have you not had an appointment through yet Samcar? Where are you seen?

[Samcar in reply to Suzym2u]

I'm in U.S. been going to Brigham&Women's in Boston. Have a rheumatologist treating for Wegener s. Been taking methotrexate 15mg/week going on 2 yrs. Also being monitored for lung nodules & some COPD. New CT scans showed lots of scarring some from aspiration, also showed aberrant right subclavian artery, mild myocardial effusion. I had really bad respiratory infection over summer. Seems better. Still having chest burning with heavy squeezing almost crushing feelings in chest, not ever day but frequent. Will be seeing a pulmonologist this week and have to wait to get in to see cardiologist. I do think maybe I need a change in the meds as frequently the labs for inflammation are high. Anyhow sometimes it's frightening.

[Samcar in reply to Samcar]

Autocorrect changed the word pericardial to myocardial. It should read pericardial effusion. Sorry, I couldn't get the edit to work. I'm definitely technology challenged.

[Nadine99 in reply to Samcar]

Yes, same as clogged

[Nadine99 in reply to Samcar]

Furrowed up is same as clogged

[hamble99b Volunteer]

I have an aortic aneurysm.

[valwood]

I was told I have an enlarged heart, pericarditis & left ventricular hypertrophy all due to vasculitis. I don't take any medication for it but might have to eventually.

[ShortSarah]

Yep I have a heart condition caused by Vasculitis. Blockages have caused my aortic valve to stretch and become weakened. I have to take beta blockers daily (1.25mg) and,cheery fact of the day, I found out the heart problems could stop me having any children because any extra stress would cause my aorta to tear.

[michichgo]

MPA with kidney involvement. I have been struggling with a rapid heart rate condition that was diagnosed during recovery for a total hip replacement (thank you prednisone).

The medication Cartia was prescribed & I believe I'm finally on the correct dosage of 240 mg per day.

I have not met with a cardiologist yet as I'm struggling with so many other mpa caused issues.

That being said, I had no heart issues prior to my mpa diagnosis in July 2013. If the two are not related, it's an awfully big coincidence.

[michichgo]

Love the mallet reference, cgarmstr! So true!

[rrahman]

Hello. I Dont know if its any help at all. But there has been an episode recently on holby city where the man had vasculitis and needed a heart transplant because of his medicamedicall condition. Think it maybe episode 13 or 14. Perhaps 12 or 11. Sorry but definitely before 15.

[Inagh]

My husband has WG and has also been diagnosed with A. He takes bisopropyl 2.5 mg and DIGOXIN 12 mtg.

[Inagh]

Sorry should have read AF not A

[JaneLE Administrator]

Hi,

I have MPA, and was diagnosed when I had fluid around the heart, (400ml drained), at the time no medication was given for this. Three years on, I am monitored and currently have a small amount of fluid but not enough to drain. However, on one of the scans it was noted that my Aorta was inflamed, and so I have now been given Losartan to ensure the aorta is opened enough. I am having regular MRI and Echocardiograms to monitor both.

Not sure this is of help.

Good Luck

Jane

[Suzym2u Moderator Vasculitis UK]

Thank you for all replies... it does seem to be that there is a possibility that if you develop a "heart condition" sometime after diagnosis of WG, it could be due to the WG and not something that might have occurred anyway. I think this subject deserves more investigation.

Susan