Thank you for a very informative article. For many years before my diagnosis of RA, I had heart problems. They put me through a myriad of tests, even a cardiac cath to find out what the problem was, but the cardiologist couldn't really put his finger on anything. When I was finally diagnosed with RA and spoke with him about it, he didn't even seem interested, just wanted to put me through more tests. That's when I decided I needed another opinion. About the same time I changed rheumatologists, I also changed cardiologists to have all of my doctors under one roof, the Cleveland Clinic. My new cardiologist is a gem, was higly interested in my condition (and my past history), wanted to obtain all of my medical records, and after extensive review (and no NEW tests or invasive procedures) made the diagnosis of non-eschemic cardiomyopathy. I am now on heart medication, lasix and potassium for the rest of my life :(. I have changed my diet, exercise regularly and he is very pleased with my progress. I have not had a flare up of my RA in close to a year and feel great.
Most general practitioner doctors don't really know or understand what RA is and what it can do, and I know from my own experience, you must be proactive in helping the drs. understand. If they don't want to find out what it's all about, it's time to change drs.
thank you for your comment. I'm glad to hear that you found a cardiologist who know what he's on about and can get you treated! You're so right - it's really important to be in charge of your health care and to know when a doctor is right for you.
I'm sorry that you had problems posting. We're having some technical issues and our tech department is aware of what's going on. Hopefully, they'll be resolved soon.
I noticed over the last 6-8 months that my BP has been steadily rising so I made an appt with my PCP (haven't had one in 2 years). Sure enough, my BP is high, Hemoglobin A1C shows borderline diabetes, low vit. D, high C-Reative Protein, high WBC and the list goes on :-(
This is a new PCP and I know that we are going to be great partners in getting my health back on track. I am sorry that I let so much time go by since last PCP visit, but you do get overwhelmed with all the RA issues and appts.
Thankful that Feb is Heart Healthy month, it made be aware of the need to keep track of my heart health. Thanks for the article.
I'm so glad this article helped nudge you a bit.
I've been in that place myself where taking care of my RA takes up so much room that there simply isn't energy for anything else. But somehow, we have to find it because our health is about all of it, RA and everything else. I, too, have high blood pressure and it took a while to find out. It's under control now, but it did teach me a valuable lesson about paying attention to the rest of me.
You may want to check out our Heart and Diabetes sites for more information on these conditions. Best of luck in getting healthy!
Thanks Lene for the excellent article. I think most folks don't know the risks or understand that basic good living skills can make all the difference! It's all about preventative medicine & taking care of yourself - finding doctors that will help, and keeping an 'inner eye' on how you/I feel. Whereas RA doesn't run in families, heart disease surely does.
Laurie
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Thank you for a very informative article. For many years before my diagnosis of RA, I had heart problems. They put me through a myriad of tests, even a cardiac cath to find out what the problem was, but the cardiologist couldn't really put his finger on anything. When I was finally diagnosed with RA and spoke with him about it, he didn't even seem interested, just wanted to put me through more tests. That's when I decided I needed another opinion. About the same time I changed rheumatologists, I also changed cardiologists to have all of my doctors under one roof, the Cleveland Clinic. My new cardiologist is a gem, was higly interested in my condition (and my past history), wanted to obtain all of my medical records, and after extensive review (and no NEW tests or invasive procedures) made the diagnosis of non-eschemic cardiomyopathy. I am now on heart medication, lasix and potassium for the rest of my life :(. I have changed my diet, exercise regularly and he is very pleased with my progress. I have not had a flare up of my RA in close to a year and feel great.
Most general practitioner doctors don't really know or understand what RA is and what it can do, and I know from my own experience, you must be proactive in helping the drs. understand. If they don't want to find out what it's all about, it's time to change drs.