RA, Covid, and Heart/Respiratory Issues

By grammiesue

1 min read

I’ve had RA for about 15 years, and am now 71. I’ve had 5 Covid vaccinations and got through a relatively mild case of Covid last year.

I’m a tennis and pickleball player who likes to stay active, but have found that most difficult this summer. My symptoms have gradually become shortness of breath on little or no exertion, as well as extremely sore joints, and debilitating fatigue.

Managing RA with other conditions

I’ve spent the last few months having CT scans, nuclear stress tests, bloodwork, cardiology visits, endocrinology visits, etc. I am seeing a new cardiologist in September. I am also receiving a Holter heart monitor in a couple days to wear for a week. I also have Graves Disease, and had my thyroid removed last November, and am now taking Levothyroxine. So you can all see I’m a medical menace!

COVID-19's link to heart issues?

My question is if COVID vaccines and/or covid itself could have caused my now cardiac problems. My blood pressure has been ok, but heart rate has been high, even after sitting. I am now leery of getting anymore vaccines until I am diagnosed with something else. Some of my tests showed mild mitral valve regurgitation and ventricular valve hypertrophy. Apparently that doesn’t matter, because I’ve been given an inhaler to help with breathing, and a statin.

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I’m seriously wondering if there’s something going on, that is related to those 5 vaccines. I doubt my doctor team would agree to that, because they would want to totally promote the vaccines.
Any way, wondering if someone out there had had similar concerns. My rheumatologist usually knows everything, yet he said he didn’t know what is causing all this. Thank you for your time and thoughts.

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Erin Rush Community Admin
Hi, <inline-mention username="grammiesue" user-id="3190758"/>! First off, I am sorry you are experiencing these symptoms and I hope you and your doctors are able to get to the bottom of what is going on and hopefully get you back on the tennis/pickleball court! You do have a lot going on, medically, so it may take some detective work to figure out what may be causing your current cardiac concerns. And I hope that appointment with the cardiologist is productive. If it's already happened, please feel free to come back and update us, only if you feel comfortable doing so. As to your very timely question about Covid and heart issues. Well, the truth is; we're still learning. We are definitely aware that Covid infections are causing a notable increase in cardiac issues. Here's some recent information about the topic from the American Heart Association -- <a href='https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/01/27/researchers-take-a-closer-look-at-what-covid-19-does-to-the-heart' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/01/27/researchers-take-a-closer-look-at-what-covid-19-does-to-the-heart</a>. Finding data about the vaccines isn't hard, either. There are ongoing studies on the efficacy and the side effects of the various vaccines. The vaccines are considered pretty safe, overall. You may recall that there was a slight risk of myocarditis, especially among young men, when the vaccines first became available, but continuing research has shown that risk to be very low and even lower now that we have variations on the vaccines. But, time will tell. Which, is kind of a lame (but accurate) answer. We may not have all the answers on Covid and the vaccine for years to come. But, I would definitely ask the cardiologist these questions. He/she would be the expert here; not me. In the end, YOU get to decide whether you get more Covid vaccines. You already know you're considered to be an "at risk" person for both the flu and covid, so I would keep discussing this with your physicians, keeping in mind that the final decision is YOURS. I would be interested to know what your cardiologist thinks and if they are able to pinpoint what caused your problems. I wish you the best of luck and I sincerely hope you get some answers (and treatment options!). Best, Erin, <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net' target='_blank'>RheumatoidArthritis.net</a> Team Member. 
1. grammiesue Member
 Thank you for your advice.😎 Cardiology appointment is in few weeks.
David Advent Moderator & Contributor
Hi <inline-mention username="grammiesue" user-id="3190758"/>, I wanted to chime in here with my own personal experience because I have had a similar situation. I had COVID twice in 2022, and about six months later, I started to have symptoms of high resting heart rate (I tracked this with my Apple Watch and was able to show the data to my cardiologist, which I got a referral to from my rheumatology). After going through two stress tests, I too had what they termed a clinically insignificant enlargement of my mitral valve. I don't know if it's because of COVID and neither did my cardiologist. It's perplexing! Alas. David (RheumatoidArthritis.net Contributor/Moderator) 
1. grammiesue Member
 Thanks for your reply. Yes; no one can give me a straight answer, other than letting me know my cardiac problems are there, but not bad enough for them to deal with. I’m seeing yet a third (actually a p.a. ) of the first cardiologist I saw who told me to stop playing pickleball and tennis, and just do the treadmill at the gym. Well, that didn’t happen, and I will tell him I want to be more active, but for past 8 months or more, I haven’t been able to because of shortness of breath; much more than I had last year. Thanks again for your response. And I will not be getting anymore Covid vaccines for awhile! G😎
Richard Faust Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="grammiesue" user-id="3190758"/>. Mind if I ask if you received the results from the Holter monitor and it provided any additional insight? Also, I noticed that you mentioned Graves disease. Graves has been linked to a number of cardiovascular issues (see: <a href='https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/76101' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/76101</a> for example). Of course, only a doctor can determine if the Graves may have any connection to the current issues you are experiencing. Hoping you get some answers soon. Many here understand just how frustrating it can be to manage multiple/comorbid autoimmune conditions. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
1. grammiesue Member
 Good morning; I am seeing the cardiologist p.a. today. I have just started going back to the Planet Fitness to do weights, bike, and of course, the massage chair. I went to the beach on the weekend and had a very difficult time walking a distance with sore hips and legs, in addition to shortness of breath. I am totally disgusted with myself and what has happened to me with the RA, Graves’ disease, and cardio issues. I want to be active again, but the doctor doesn’t seem to understand that. Yes; I have cardio problems, but not severe enough to be treated. I hope my gym return will help somewhat. The pain every day is so tiring. Thank you.
2. Erin Rush Community Admin
 I hope the visit with the cardiologist p.a. goes well, <inline-mention username="grammiesue" user-id="3190758"/>! And I think it's awesome that you're getting back to the gym. Have some grace for yourself and your body as you get back into working out. After all, you and your body didn't ask for any of the conditions you find yourself dealing with. You and your body are doing the best that you can, so please be kind to yourself. Thanks for the update! Best, Erin, <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net' target='_blank'>RheumatoidArthritis.net</a> Team Member.
grammiesue Member
Thank you.🥰
elirose Member
HI Grammiesue, I have RA, heart rate issues with high blood pressure and Hashimoto. Around 32 years old when throid barely functioning or as doctor said kaput, I started having more heart rate problems and skip beats. PAT. I have other autoimmune, too like chronic hives sometimes vascullitis hives but I know to feel my best and heart rate better my med for thyroid has to keep my TSH at level best for me. I turned seventy and now need to have less med with TSH around 1.5. That is for me but my doctor first looked and said it was in normal range but thought and said your near seventy and understood better for me with less med. I hope this helps you. Hard to keep all balls up in the air but sometimes need to move forward taking care of more than one problem. This was with primary and endocrinologist looking after me. Even RA doctor looks at my thyroid level. Hope this help but always by doctor or doctors looking after you. I am fortunate because my doctors listen to what is going on with me and my input, too. love,elirose
grammiesue Member
Thank you, Elirose. I’m now recording from “frozen shoulders”. Both were affected from the 3 times I played and served in tennis this past summer. Because my “heart issues” decreased my regular playing, my shoulders became unconditioned and I just played through the pain. I kept playing pickleball as well. An orthopedic doctor gave me a cortisone shot last week and it helped immensely. I’ll get one in my left shoulder in a few more weeks, as the one I got from my rheumatologist wasn’t effective. I am very depressed about the condition of my body; always 3 steps forward, 5 steps back. I wish I had never had my thyroid removed. There was a nodule, but it was benign. Unfortunately I was very sick, and the methemizole didn’t work. Now I have an endocrinologist who doesn’t get back to me, and is actually a PA . The only one who has really helped me has been my orthopedic doctor. He fixed my knee last summer as well, when the a c l became sprained in pickleball. Thank you for your support. Grammiesue
elirose Member
HI Grammiesue, sending well wishes . Going through many changes. May you find the support you need here. The community can lead you to helpful articles. Many many with RA have depression. All you been through can drain a person. Again best wishes and praying for the support and help you need. love,elirose
Codaat Member
<inline-mention username="grammiesue" user-id="3190758"/> I have had 6 vaccines for Covid plus evushield vaccine 2 shots. And I have developed an aorta valve stenosis. And I have developed a tricuspid valve regurgitation. I have never had problems with those two valves before. I do have high blood pressure but it’s managed by medication. I was born with mitral valve where the valve didn’t completely close. My heart rate over the past 6 months has been running high even when I just sitting. And when I read your post. I thought I was the only one who felt this way. Thank you for sharing that information 
1. christine.laaksonen Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Codaat" user-id="8411677"/> I'm sorry to hear about your heart issues. It certainly can be challenging, especially when never having those heart conditions before. While I obviously don't know what has caused you specific heart issues, I do know that RA can impact cardiovascular health. I'm linking an article here with more information, <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/medical-conditions-occurring-along-with-ra/cardiovascular-disease' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/medical-conditions-occurring-along-with-ra/cardiovascular-disease</a> Several of our community members have experienced heart issues due to the inflammation caused by their RA, you're not alone! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
grammiesue Member
<inline-mention username="Codaat" user-id="8411677"/> I am sorry you too are having these problems. I am glad you made your comments, because even though I know there are others like us with sudden cardiac issues, it feels good to actually read about them. I’ve sort have just tried to get on with my life without further tests. Last summer and fall were completely filled with all the sorts of tests I had mentioned before. My feeling is that perhaps both the COVID and vaccines/boosters both helped to contribute to the cardiovascular problems. I know the vaccines did. My daughter did not get any of the vaccines, and neither did her husband or young children. They got Covid twice, and have been fine since. I find it very interesting that all of a sudden there are so many commercials about medications for HCM and other heart problems. I’m sure that sometime down the road, it will all come out to everyone. I’ve never felt so badly in my life… Thank you for sharing your story and best of luck to you.
julieh56 Member
It sounds like your new cardiac problems MIGHT be long covid symptoms. Am NO expert; ( other than being an LPN for 28 yrs.) But many long covid sufferers have cardiac problems. And an alarmingly high number of covid pts experience some type of residual health complaints. I hope your Dr.s can mitigate these new symptoms for you.
1. christine.laaksonen Community Admin
 You bring up such a good point, <inline-mention username="julieh56" user-id="3185673"/>. There certainly can be potential cardiac problems due to long covid. Not only that, but the inflammation from RA can impact cardiovascular health as well (here's an article with more information, <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/medical-conditions-occurring-along-with-ra/cardiovascular-disease' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/medical-conditions-occurring-along-with-ra/cardiovascular-disease</a>.) We appreciate you joining the conversation and sharing your insights. Wishing you a gentle day! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
Kmfc Member
Dear Grammiesue, First off, I’m sorry you’re not feeling well enough to do the things you enjoy. Fatigue can really suck! As for the concern about your heart rate and how it relates to RH. I too have a chronically high heart rate of around 110 bpm. My primary care doctor is a little concerned and ordered a Holter monitor for two weeks. Haven’t started it yet, but will next week. I too am wondering why is this happening and what autoimmune disease is causing it. I have RH, Fibro, and Sjogrens. I had all the Covid vaccines and also had Covid twice. Maybe that caused it! The not knowing why something is wrong is unsettling to say the least. I find myself thinking gloomy thoughts and worrying what if… For some reason, the Rheumatologist doesn’t seem concerned by it. I’m only 57 and have been on Humira for close to 3 years now. Knowing RH and Sjogrens can attack any organ at any time is weighing heavily on my mind and I want answers. I also know that I might never get an answer which makes me feel even worse. Just hearing I’m not alone in this unpredictable disease helps me immensely for some weird reason. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody, but I’m glad it’s not just me if that makes any sense. I’d love to hear what your team of doctors has to say after all the tests. When or if I learn anything about my high heart rate, I’m going to share it here. Best of luck and I hope you get back to tennis and pickleball sooner than later. Kristin C
1. Daniel Malito Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Kmfc" user-id="3179104"/> Never just you and never alone! I have been where you are and I ended up having a heart attack in the hospital the night of the day they replaced my shoulder. I remember telling the nurse, "Hey, Jimmy, I think I'm having a heart attack." They said no, you're only 30! It can't be. Then they hooked up the heart monitor and I'll never forget said, "Oh, you're REALLY having a heart attack!" Duh. So, trust your instincts and know that anything can happen with RA, it really is a whole system disease. Then things happen for literally no reason at all also, it is frustrating. My blood pressure just went up one day because my RA made my liver tell my body to do it for no reason at all. Even after all the tests they still can't tell my exactly why it's doing that. Their best guess is something with prednisone. Oh well. That's pretty much life with RA, but just know we are not crazy and not alone! Keep on keepin' on, DPM
2. grammiesue Member
 <inline-mention username="Kmfc" user-id="3179104"/> Thank you.
Richard Faust Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="grammiesue" user-id="3190758"/> and <inline-mention username="Kmfc" user-id="3179104"/>. It is completely understandable to be concerned, especially for anything heart related. As you now know, you are not alone. One thing I would add is that it is great that you are both getting things checked out - it is the beginning of getting answers, reducing your stress, and towards fixing anything if there are any specific issues to be addressed. Please feel free to keep us posted and to ask questions. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)