Can you have heart problems with RA?

By sparklebrightisright

1 min read

Hi to all;

On the 13th of July, I walked up to my friends house. I got there and was breathless - didn't think any more of it, was only a 2.5 mile walk.

The breathlessness continued

On the 19th of July, I walked up to daughters as it was her birthday. We had a barbecue - stayed quite a while then walked home.

I had to adjust my daily exercise

I had acquired a stationary exercise bike, had been going on this a few times a day. Went on the 23/24, doing the same as previous but only been on ten min - breathless, palpitations, pounding heart and sweating. Got off as didn't feel well.

Getting evaluated for cardiovascular issues

Asthma nurse phoned - I told her and she got my GP to phone to see how I was. Made me a doc appointment for next morning if I hadn't already gone to hosp. I went to my appointment, was sent straight to hosp - angina. I am waiting for heart scan. I just want to get it done so I can start to exercise again so I can lose weight.

Colourfull500.

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ashleyf Moderator
Hi there <inline-mention user-id="3206603" username="sparklebrightisright"/> , thanks for reaching out to us. We're sorry to hear that you've been having these issues lately, but really glad that you've seen a doctor and are looking into getting answers. Unfortunately, there are cardiovascular disease risks connected to RA and this article from our editorial team goes into more detail: <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>. In addition, you may want to look at this article from our contributor Andrew on the topic: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/cardiovascular-disease-risk' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/cardiovascular-disease-risk/</a>. Please know that we are thinking of you, and we hope you keep us updated with the results of your heart scan. Gently, Ashley (Team Member)
Monica Y. Sengupta Moderator & Contributor
Hey <inline-mention user-id="3206603" username="sparklebrightisright"/> ! I wanted to check in and ask how was your heart scan? If you are comfortable doing so, we would love to hear an update! Hope you are well. ~Monica
Lynn Marie Witt, MSOT Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention user-id="3206603" username="sparklebrightisright"/> Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing your story. How did your heart scan go? Please keep us updated. I care and so does your <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net' target='_blank'>RheumatoidArthritis.net</a> family. Just Keep Swimming...Lynn Marie, "RheumatoidArthris.net Team Member"
qejm0g Member
I hope your appt went well and you’ve gotten to the bottom of the angina. My husband’s story is somewhat similar and a year later is he’s road biking between 10 and 15 mile 2-3 times a week. Don’t give up!
julieh56 Member
Yes; RA can lead to other organ problems. My RA damaged both ,y heart and lungs. I have only 33 % normal lung function; and have used O2 for 21 yrs now; starting at 41. I have interstitial lung disease; secondary Pulmonary Hypertension; (Rt. my RA😉 and also have Asthma; COPD; and CHF; not related to my RA. My heart trouble's started shortly after the RA dx. Lung problems yr.s later.
1. L rick Phillips Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="julieh56" user-id="3185673"/> RA can lead to organ issues and lungs are very vulnerable. I am glad you found your way to this point. I understand how rough it is and I wish you well.