Heart problems

[ttdub]

I know sjogrens may not directly affect the heart but more indirectly. But thise that have heart problems. How did u fix them?

[Carebear]

Hi ttdub,

What kind of heart problems are you experiencing?

[cremer]

I have always felt my heart problems are associated with Sjogrens but when I mentioned this to my Rheumy on my last visit he said that there is no case studies or clinical trials that link Sjogrens to heart problems especially Atherosclerosis.

He also said that if I had SLE (Lupus) then there is a very great possibility that the Lupus has hardened and inflammed the arteries and caused aggressive premature Atherosclerosis, but this is not possible with Sjogrens.

He did admit that there are hundreds of trials and clinical studies regarding Lupus and Atherosclerosis, but hardly any regarding Sjogrens and Atherosclerosis and in that case he cannot commit and say it's my Sjogrens that is causing my Premature Atherosclerosis.

I hope this helps a little.

[LizPetillo]

I've had irregular heart beats since I was about 25 years old (I'm 48 now).  Since on the Plaquinel I've had fewer irregular heart beats and the ones that I do get are much more mild and shorter then before the Plaquinel.  Dunno' what the connection is .. but there is definately something. 

[susanep]

I have just started having some irregular heart beats. My son has been dealing with this for years, and they never tell him what it is.

susanep                   

[anita]

I have been told by my rheumy and cardiologist (both from Johns Hopkins) that ALL rheumatic disease (Sjogren's included) can cause accelerated atherosclerosis.

I also have severe autonomic neuropathy, which includes heart rate, arrhythmias, BP, etc.  I have a pacemaker as a result of some of these problems and medicine for the rest.  Now these are certainly neurological problems (autonomic), but it is said to be manifestation of sjogren's. 

[cremer]

I have been told by my rheumy and cardiologist (both from Johns Hopkins) that ALL rheumatic disease (Sjogren's included) can cause accelerated atherosclerosis.

I also have severe autonomic neuropathy, which includes heart rate, arrhythmias, BP, etc.  I have a pacemaker as a result of some of these problems and medicine for the rest.  Now these are certainly neurological problems (autonomic), but it is said to be manifestation of sjogren's. 

It shouldn't be allowed all this conflicting information, in the end who do you believe.

[Mr. Duffy]

             
           Hello Ttdub ,
              I've had irregular heart beats for over 20yrs. I just took off a heart monitor I
              wore for 24hrs. I also have chronic pericarditis caused by my SjS. A couple 
              times a year my irregular beats get so bad and last for days. My doctor puts
              the monitor on me, but never seems to help the problem    
              I will know in 1 week what the monitor  reveals.



                                 I hope you get help and feel better soon

                                       Hugs and Blessings to you
                                         Your Heart Friend
                                             Duffy Dog 

[sage]

ttdub:  I can understand the dillema you are going thru, not knowing what is causing some of the serious symptoms you have and whether you have sjogren's or possible heart problems. Have you taken a look at any side effects that can occur from taking certain meds?   It sounded like some of your health problems happened after taking a med?  You could check that out by going online and finding if there is any lupus type reactions with the meds you mentioned?  I wish you some relief from the anxiety of not knowing what is going on and further help from the medical profession!

[anita]

Cremer,

I also have antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) which is yet another autoimmune disease.  If I had my say (not my doctors) I would guess that the APS is more likely to be responsible for my moderate atherosclerosis (for my age) and my mildly prolapsed valves (3 of them).  I think they would agree that both AI diseases contribute to the heart problems.   And I don't have Lupus...so it's not that.

It is widely discussed here that neurological manifestations (and that means autonomic neuropathy included) are a part of Sjogren's.  Who really knows whether it is or yet another disease process.  It is common to have more than one AI process...or even other metabolic disease at the same time.  There are MANY things yet to be learned and defined about Sjogren's.

To tell you the truth, I have a VERY positive lip biopsy indicating SjS, but I wonder sometimes whether my problems go much deeper than SjS and that the "sicca" is just a symptom of another bigger problem.  

Regardless of where heart problems come from, they must be properly diagnosed and treated.

[sage]

Mr Duffy: good luck with the monitor results!  Waiting is no fun.  I am waiting to hear the results of my latest cholesterol blood test - truly don't want to have to take more statins!  

cremer and all:

Here is an article that apparently spells out the association between accelerated atherosclerosis and (some) autoimmune disorders.  As you will see, they don't hold much association with heart problems and Sjogren's Syndrome.  Should I laugh or cry about that (since I can't cry it's a non problem!)

You will see that the article has been cited by quite a few new articles on the topic.  See what you think!

Accelerated Atherosclerosis in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/112/21/3337

This article has been cited by other articles:

Circulation. 2005;112:3337-3347.)
? 2005 American Heart Association, Inc.

[anita]

Here's a good article on cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction, since many here have discussed heart rate/rhythm and BP problems.

If you notice one thing about even very technical articles/studies, is that they may state there is a significant occurrence of SjS patient with these manifestations...but NOT proof of HOW SjS has actually caused these to occur. 

http://rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/content/43/1/95.full

Like I said, I think there is so much more to be learned about Sjogren's.   

[ttdub]

Hi ttdub,

What kind of heart problems are you experiencing?

My heart will start racing and pounding really hard. My heart rate will skyrocket! Then slowly it comes down.

[Serena8Cowell]

The very important thing is in a heated environment is that you does not expose yourself to extreme temperatures that some of the hot yoga studios heat to otherwise you could put yourself at unnecessary risk.....

[cremer]

Thankyou Anita and Sage, both articles made fantastic reading and just goes to show that alot more research needs to be done on Sjogrens syndrome and it's function with the heart.

Anita I also agree that antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) plays a much more important role then Sjogrens, just the nature of blood clotting must be such a concern. When I went to my rheumy last time he gave me a Lupus anticoagulant test and it came back negative so hopefully I do not have APS.

Take care.

Mick