Q: Has any one had heart problems before the age of 50? What were the symptoms and what did you have done?
Hello, Oftentired,
I have had an irregular heartbeat since I was in my twenties. When I was 29, I developed high blood pressure ( it runs in my family ), and I had to start taking high blood pressure medicine.
My heart used to take off racing and then I would feel like someone kicked me in the chest, and I would sort of gasp for air. Since I have been taking medicine to control the irregular heatbeat, I have not had any other problems, except if/when my bp goes up too high during times of stress, etc.
I was also tested for Mitral Valve Prolapse, but I do not have that. My mother has MVP, and that is often inherited. She used to get lightheaded and feel faint because of the MVP.
Hope you are doing okay. Were you diagnosed w/some sort of heart problem?
Peace,
V
you're right - one of the "side effects" of having RA is a higher risk of having heart attacks and strokes, which is why it's important that your doctor starts with preventative care earlier than they normally would. One of the interesting things about this particular unpleasant reality is that the Biologics reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, actually making us healthier.
If you have had symptoms that seem related to your heart, please see your doctor and ask for tests such as an echocardiogram and/or a stress test to make sure that your heart is okay. if you get chest pains again, don't ignore them, but go to the emergency room or call 911. You can read more about heart health on our Heart site.
Thanks Lene.
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Thanks V. I have occasional chest pain. A pathologist said heart problems kill young women who have lupus so I assume us with RA might have the same. Last night I researched and the conclusion is RA people are twice as likely to have heart attacks. It also said women have different symptoms so when they first realize what is going on they are experiencing cardiac death. It seems women with RA need to be very watchful and truthful about any possible symptoms and discuss ways to live better and longer since the odds are a bit against us.
Take Care,
D.