Heart Disease.

thanks so much for reaching out. I can hear what a hard place this is to be in, getting the news of a blocked LAD artery and waiting to hear from a cardiologist. I'm glad that you're here and a part of our community. Although many different things can impact cardiovascular health, RA can (also) impact heart health, and those living with RA have a 50-70 percent increased risk of heart disease. Has your doctor indicated whether they think it's the RA or something else that's caused your heart disease? I'm linking an article here with some information about RA and heart disease. https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/medical-conditions-occurring-along-with-ra/cardiovascular-disease I hope that can give you a little more information, and that some of our community members here can share with you as well. Please let us know if you have other questions, or could use some support. We're here for you. And, if you're comfortable, please keep us posted with what you hear from the cardiologist. Sending you gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)

Hi . On top of the excellent information from , I just want to note the importance of your cardiologist working in consultation with your rheumatologist. This can be particularly important, as some aspects of treatment for RA which fight inflammation can reduce the risk of heart disease, while other aspects such as steroids can increase the risk. Wishing you the best and please know that this community is here for you. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)

Hi ! Oh the questions right? Heart Disease like so many other disease can have many causes from hereditary to poor diet, then of course there is those other diseases that can contribute to heart disease such as but not exclusive: RA, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes. Then you can add environmental factors; smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise. A host of things combined.


Best thing would be to write down any questions or worries to ask the Cardiologist, hopefully they can give you the answer you are seeking. Consider taking a family menber or friend with you for not only support, but another pair of ears to hear what is being said.


The important thing now is to follow the advise of your doctor until you do see that Cardiologist. Personally I would not make to many changes until you see him for you want to make the proper changes for your individual case. As with RA, Heart disease is different for everyone, pending on how the disease has progressed and if someone is feeling some distress is how they will recommend treatment.


Myself, my heart disease is hereditary, having RA & PsA which both are contributing risk factor and a former smoker. Thank goodness I was active and ate healthy for the knowledge of the hereditary issue. When it came time to have a medical procedures
done it was ok. Medication is currently working great for me and all doctors are carefully watching what treatments each other is offering me, plus I am very vigilant too. 10 years and still at it !!!!!


Wish you much luck and waiting to hear how things go for you!

so glad you got in finally to see the cardiologist and oh more testing. Please try not to worry or stress to much, it's hard not to, stress it not good for anyone, but with the RA it will cause more pain. It appears you are in good hands now, they are moving along to get you the help you need. The test you mentioned are great test, it will let the doctors see exactly what they need to and sometimes even fix the problem(s) while they are doing the test (angiogram), large percentage of the time people are able to go home right away and continue on feeling better once the sedative wears off all the way. I have personally been through 4 angiograms and 6 echoes and all went well and arrived home tired and useless for the rest of the day because from the meds they used for the test, but other then that some bruising where the blood work and such was done. I do know I will at least need one more angiogram sooner then later, but not worried about the procedure anymore, actually gratefull for them. Medicine for the heart has come such a long way just amazing what can be done now. So glad that was able to fix you up with a link. Hopefully someone or many people get ease anything you are feeling. Best to you, would love to hear from you as your treatment progress. Best to you, you are a strong person and you can do this!