My Heart

By aissa

1 min read

I was diagnosed with RA in 1952. I am 72 years old. In June 2020 I had a near-fatal heart attack. A widow maker they call it. I immediately went into heart failure.

The heart attack came out of nowhere

I have no family history whatsoever of heart problems. I am not overweight (103 lbs). No smoking or drinking. I walked at least a mile a day, if not longer. Ate very well. I never felt that my RA was completely controlled despite trying everything.

I still suffered joint pain and tremendous fatigue.

Was RA responsible for my heart attack?

My doctors concluded that my massive heart attack was a result of my RA, not the RA meds which I immediately assumed it was. My rheumatologist never ever talked to me about this possibility.

Although you can read this online, I guess because I had no risk factors, I really didn’t pay much notice.

My friends and family were shocked. They thought I was the last person who would have an attack.

I then struggled about whether to go back on the awful meds or not. Wasn’t sure it was worse being on meds than having untreated RA. I went back on Actemra, which is supposed to be one of the gentlest on the heart.

Talk to your doctor about RA & heart health

I am posting now, not to frighten anyone, but to suggest that perhaps you want to have a discussion with your doc about this, especially if you have a family history or risk factors.

I was given a 25% chance of living a year. It is now a year and a half, thanks to a great team of doctors.

It is definitely difficult dealing with CHF and RA at the same time. Especially the fatigue from both.

Sorry, this is so long, but I have never this topic talked about on RA forums and I thought my story needed to be heard. Thanks for listening.

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RHall Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="aissa" user-id="3127458"/> - thank you for sharing your story with us. I'm so thankful you're still here with us. Heart health and RA isn't talked about often compared to some of the other symptoms, like fatigue or joint pain. You're totally right about that. One of our RA community advocates <inline-mention username="Daniel Malito" user-id="3160778"/> also suffered a heart attack. Also you may already be aware, but if not you might be interested in our sister community Heart Failure (<a href='https://heart-failure.net/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://heart-failure.net/</a>). Your suggestion for RA folks to speak with their doctors about heart health and risk factors is a great one. Thank you for taking time to share this with us! - Reggie, <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net' target='_blank'>RheumatoidArthritis.net</a> team member
Richard Faust Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="aissa" user-id="3127458"/>. So sorry to hear about the heart issues, but glad you have such a great medical team. The inflammation related to RA (and inflammatory conditions in general) has definitely been found to be a risk factor for heart failure. In fact, this extensive study found a 21% greater risk of heart failure and, interestingly found methotrexate to have an about 25% lower heart failure risk: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/JAHA.119.014661#:~:text=In%20a%20large%20contemporary%20clinical,factors%20and%20coronary%20artery%20disease. It would be interesting to see further study into the impact of anti-inflammatory drugs on heart failure. Thank you for your willingness to share on this important topic and wishing you the best. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
Lynn Marie Witt, MSOT Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="aissa" user-id="3127458"/> thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your story. I agree with my teammates Reggie and Richard, and are so thankful you are here. I know it's not easy to reach out, however your words and story will make a difference in all of those who read it. You have shed some light on a very important part of RA that is not talked about nearly enough. Wishing you the best and sending gentle virtual hugs! Appreciate you and your story. Just Keep Swimming...Lynn Marie, "RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member"
trishak913 Member
Rheumatic diseases run in my family. My Auntie died from SLE in 1964 when they knew very little about the disease. My Mother died of an extremely weakened Heart due to RA inflammation and treatment only included high doses of cortisone & the ineffective, so-called Gold treatment. Heart disease is still the Number One killer of RA, Lung disease being Number Two! RA is like your body is rejecting everything in your body from all of your organs, joints, tissue and skin!
hopewright Member
Hi Aissa, I thought I was reading my story that you posted. Must say it is a huge challenge dealing with CHF and Interstitial Lung Disease caused by RA. Never knowing which one is making me feel tired and not able to function. Blessing that you have beat the doctors odds of living. I watch my diet closely, take my weight every morning. Also, go to CHF clinic once a week to stay in check before it gets totally out of control and need the hospital. My prayers are with you.
1. Richard Faust Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="hopewright" user-id="3174697"/>. Thank you for sharing and glad to hear that you are taking such good care to try to ward off problems from these two difficult RA related conditions. Please know that this community is here for you. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
2. hopewright Member
 <inline-mention username="Richard Faust" user-id="3227544"/> thanks Richard. Had a CT of Lungs found out the ILD was gone. Pulmonologist told me that because of CHF was so bad it had effected the lungs. So she recommended a second Heart Cath, which was done 3-31-23. No blockages, and the CHF was better by 20% from first Cath. Cardiologist is very pleased that I have worked hard to keep it under control. Saw RA doctor and she resumed the MTX because pulmonologist said I got get back on it. I feel so blessed to have a bit of my life back. Now to walk so I keep stamina up.