Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Another question - heart problems

This is a question that has been bugging me for a while and I thought I might share it with you guys...my grandfather recently survived a burst aorta which they said might have had something to do with his RA. My rheumatologist, who also treats my grandfather said to me after it happened that it might be wise every once in a while making sure I was also okay in that department. This scares me a little, as I am only a young woman with a child. I know that with AS it can affect the heart valves as well as other parts of your body...can this cause an aortic dissection? Does anyone know the answer?

Hi Jess - Unable to answer your question but did have an ultrasound last January. My aorta appears atheromatous (and pancreatic duct appears dilated). Haven't a clue as to 'what' any of that means - no one has told me in spite of my asking... Sigh. But mebbe 'they' don't know themselves!!

Molly
Keeping on Keeping on

I had a heart attack 2years ago,A/S being a contributory factor. I had 2 stents put in which saved my life. I still get angina and of course exercise treatment for A/S is greatly reduced. Regular heart checkups should be a must for A/S patients.
Everyone is different so try not to worry and make sure you get checked out regularly.
Bruce

It is possible but aortic aneurysms are rare, and happen twice as much in men than women. John Ritter died of this. Was he smoker, drinker, bad diet, high stress? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aortic_dissection

Your rheumy should refer you to a cardiologist if they are worried.

hiya,

there is a known probelm with AS where the Aorta goes soft, not sure if it dissects but any problem in the area is best avoided.

from http://www.spondylitis.org/about/complications.aspx

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Extract from complications:



The Heart
A small number of people with spondylitis will display signs of chronic inflammation in the base of the heart - around the aortic valve and origin of the aorta (i.e. that vessel which takes all blood from the heart to be distributed throughout the body). Years of chronic and silent inflammation at these sites can eventually lead to heart block and valve leakage, sometimes requiring surgical treatment. Although recognized, these cardiac lesions probably are seen in fewer than two percent of all patients with spondylitis, and nearly always in males. The lesions are readily detectable by the physician's examination and when necessary, cardiac testing.

Jess,
I have a young daughter,26 years old, who has AS and had to have a pacemaker put in last year. My grandson (age 7) has AS and just found out he has a bundle branch block. The doctor will watch him, if it gets worse they want to put in a pacemaker. I have AS, and so far my heart seems to be ok. I know there are several here at KickAS that have heart problems. Maybe you will be one of the lucky one who does not have any problems with your heart.
I think its worth while to have it checked out. With the family history, I have my checked about once a year with an EKG and an Echo.
Good luck,
Debora

Debora,
What is a bundle branch block? My youngest brandson is having trouble with a growing tend from his heart, it is enclosing is esophegous. I have the arotic problem, and the largest heart my doctors have ever seen. Meds seem to keep me going and exercise helps.
Thanks.
Lon

Hey, jess82:

Quote:

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my grandfather recently survived a burst aorta which they said might have had something to do with his RA

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WOW!! THAT is a MIRACLE all by itself!

There is a condition that was called by one physician "tallman's disease" that caused the aorta to thin, since in taller people it might have been stretched too thin. The only references I get on this are to "Drs Tallman," so perhaps this was not such a well-known condition, and I'm not sure of this particular explanation, but it is apparently genetic.

I think that my mother must have had AS, and died from it quite young (43), probably due, in primary, to aortitis aggravated by destructive lifestyle choices.

When the damage to the arterial wall (from either the arthritis or whatever causes the arthritis) is not repaired by the buildup of cholesterols resulting in a partial blockage, a 'tear' might happen that propagates to the outer layers of the vessel, but an aneurysm usually forms. These can burst and sometimes increased bp is blamed on such an event.

The chances that you will develop this are low, but if you develop severe costochondritis you will probably have a heart ultrasound to prove the condition of your heart and aorta. Otherwise, this should be checked out in the normal course of your AS evaluations--a referral from your rheumatologist or GP to a cardiologist; AS does cause at least four heart complications and the heart should be a normal focus of the periodic evaluations.

Your grandfather has RA, but you have AS? I would ask the age of onset for his RA, and whether or not he has elevated bp/hypertension.

Good luck to You,
John

Hi Jess,

I'm one of those that has a valve leak in my heart. It is still minor at this point, but my last test showed a small change since my last echo. I don't remember exactly, but it was only like a year or a little over between the two tests. At this time the only thing I have to do about it is take a pre-med before any dental work or anything invasive. I am glad though that I know about it so that we can keep an eye on it. If I were you I would go ahead and schedule a test to look into it. It's the best thing you can do for you and your child. Take care, Wanda

Here is a quote from the following website which is about AS and written for doctors.
http://www.emedicine.com/radio/topic41.htm

Patients should be examined for possible development of complications. Cardiovascular complications include aortic incompetence secondary to aortitis and more rare conditions such as conduction defects, cardiomyopathy, and pericarditis.

It sound to me like there could be problems with the aorta due to inflammation of it.

Hope this helps!

Karen