Someone posted here not too long ago about a heart attack they'd had, apparently out of the blue. I can't find the post right now, but I came across this article, which could be of interest:
http://www.uhn.ca/donate/aarc/site//docs/published_papers/GladmanPsA%20CVD%20Sept2008%20(2).pdf
OP, whoever you are, I hope you find t his!
The link didn't work for me.
I searched for it, and found
http://www.uhn.ca/donate/aarc/site//docs/published_papers/GladmanPsA%20CVD%20Sept2008%20%282%29.pdf
When I pasted this, it worked.
Thanks, Stoney. Don’t know what happened there – it wouldn’t work for me just now anyway. But the link you posted is good.
That article was published in 1998. The study and information may still apply or be challenged since then. Hope it's not true today.
Studies continue to indicate that there may be a relationship between PsA and heart disease. Heart disease is now understood to have a connection with inflammatory processes, which is what we're dealing with in PsA. And in PsA, our immune systems attack connective tissue, which is part of our cardiac equipment. Double whammy.
I have an appointment with a respected rheumatologist at a teaching hospital next week and this is one of the things I want to talk with him about. One thing I want is a referral to a cardiologist who deals with a lot of people with PsA. This is a teaching hospital; surely they've got some preferred cardiologists. I have some heart problems and my PCP wanted me to see a cardiologist. I think that's a very good idea, but one familiar with PsA might give me the best information.
I'll share with you whatever information I get at my appointment.
I can't find anyone with PsA in ancestors on my father's side, nor any cousins. But there is a strong tendency toward heart problems and a lot of people who have heart attacks in their forties. My father died of a heart attack, so did his father, so did his brothers, so did most of their sons, etc. I've got a family history like that is a definite risk factor for heart disease.
My mother's family is a genetic hotbed of PsA and PsA-related problems. My mother had psoriasis, and each of my four siblings has psoriasis and one or two other PsA related diseases. My younger brother is the only one who, like me, has PsA, though, and despite a very healthy lifestyle, he had his first heart attack at 46. When I go back in my genealogy, I discover that my Mom's grandmother died of a sudden heart attack with no warning or previously-known problems at age 50, and my great-aunt also died of a heart attack at 50, again with no warning or previously-known heart problems. I suspect that genes that contribute to PsA may have been involved in their early deaths.
We all die of something. I'd like to be a part of my grandchildren's lives as they grow to adulthood. But I won't have the time to help them with art projects or write them letters NOW if I waste time worrying about dying of PsA/heart disease. It would definitely be a waste of time if I wound up being killed by a falling meteorite tomorrow - and that's a possibility, too.
So what to do to reduce my risks? I hope my revered doctor will have some good ideas next week. In the meantime:
I don't smoke and never have. I don't use alcohol. I pay attention to my diet and I don't weigh much. I work hard at maintaining friendships and staying in touch with my family - people with strong social networks tend to live longer. I don't mean that I call up my brothers to increase my longevity; I call them up because I like to talk to them, but I know that it does us both good. And while there are times when I really don't feel like socializing, I often push myself to go visit with a neighbor, and find that afterward I feel more energized.
I try to get the best sleep that I can. I try to take at least one class on something each school term, so that my mind is active and interested, and I meet good people. Sometimes I have trouble keeping up with a class if I'm having a flare or medication side effects, but on the whole, it's worked well. I'm fortunate that I have the world's dearest husband. We can't make love as much as we used to, but when we do, or even when we simply cuddle, positive hormones, endorphins, oxytocin, are washing through our bodies, doing good things for our health.
I could do a lot better at reducing stress in my life - my blood pressure is good, but stress manifests itself in lots of other ways. I try to do too much and I'm disorganized. I've asked my husband, who is very organized, to help me organize my papers, spaces, etc., and then I'm not running around trying to find something five minutes after I was supposed to be someplace. I'm sure that helps. We've still got a lot of drawers to go through! I've got decent insurance, so I'm able to talk to a therapist about things that worry me, and she's great at coming up with practical solutions to problems, as well as giving me emotional support. Any time we take steps to take charge of our lives and help ourselves, our brains release more positive chemicals that make us healthier and happier.
I try very hard to remain aware that there are people whose lives are much harder than mine and to do things to make their lives easier. I do as much volunteer work as I can do without wearing myself out. Sometimes I can't do more than buy a few packages of wool socks for the homeless shelter when we're having a cold snap, but I feel less like a "sick person" or "an invalid" or someone who needs to be in a wheelchair than a helpful person who happens to be in a wheelchair.
Exercise is an area in which I need help. Walking was our enjoyable exercise, and my feet are just too damaged to do that any longer. There are some problems with swimming too complicated to go into. But exercise is an area I need to work on.
I take omega-3 supplements and an 81 mg. tablet of aspirin a day (a baby aspirin). Ask your doctor re: aspirin and don't start it on your own. It's not indicated for a lot of PsA people and could complicate other health problems that you have or interact badly with another med that you take.
I'd really like to hear more about how others of us strategize to make our lives as comfortable and meaningful as they can be while we do get to hang out here on Planet Earth.
I’m confused, Dr. Marc. This study collected data up to 2004, and the paper would have been published sometime after that. So where did 1998 come from? Am I missing something?
The Microsoft Word header that I’m seeing on the web page is 2008. I’m afraid it probably is true today. Funny, though, that there’s no date on the document itself.
Gardener, I’m so glad you’re going to a teaching hospital. Your rheumie there will know just the right cardio for you to see. Teaching hospitals are wonderful places. At the side of my elderly mother, we watched as ophthalmology, neurology, neurosurgery, endocrinology, geriatric rehab, and oncology all worked together like a finely tuned orchestra. At every phase of her treatment, each specialist seemed to know what was going on with every other specialty. It was quite amazing. The teaching hospital environment is highly collaborative, and a great place to be. .Good luck with this! I’m sure you will find a great fit for your unique needs.
Seenie - thank you so much for the encouragement. I appreciate it, especially when you're dealing with so much yourself, including the Rheumatologist and Receptionist from Hell.
Well, Gardener, if my referral to the PsA Clinic comes through, I’ll probably be waving good bye to them for good. Now there is a pleasant thought. That receptionist is like a junk yard dog. LOL
Let us know how you get on with this! We need all the good news we can get!
My mistake. I had done a quick read looking for a published date and went to last page where I see 1998. After your comment I went back to see some content in the article and saw the 2004 date in the study.
So I guess the fact that both my parents had heart issues and my mother had some severe form of arthritis I should be concerned - but both lived to age 82. Not sure of my odds given the negative factors and yet their age span.
Seenie said:
I'm confused, Dr. Marc. This study collected data up to 2004, and the paper would have been published sometime after that. So where did 1998 come from? Am I missing something?
This webcast is by a cardiologist. He shows that psoriasis also can cause inflammation of your veins and arteries.
http://psoriasis.org/events/educational/webcasts/inflammation-and-psoriasis
This is a subject close to my heart, no pun intended.I'm 53 right now, youngest out of 4 kids. My dad died when i was 5, my oldest bro. at 54 my bro. three years older then me at 49.my mom at 79 ,all died of heart att. So finding more about this would be help full. Not that it matters, when the big man said my time is up, it's up. I don't mine living with pain, as long i get to stick around, and watch my grand kids grow up.
Seenie, thank you so much for this link! I recently stumbled upon info regarding this study, but could not find the it. I had an MI with no symptoms. This is called a silent heart attack. It seems to be more prevalent in rheumatoid patients than others. I HAD NO CHEST PAIN, NO SHORTNESS OF BREATH, NO BACK PAIN, NO ARM PAIN, NO COLD SWEATS! I was very fortunate (thank God) that this all happened in the ER otherwise there would have been no reason for me to go to the hospital. I would have never known that I was having a heart attack! I was told that I have a 30% thickening in my left artery. My cholesterol is 122 and BP is 120/80. All other blood work is perfect. Seems logical to me that my PsA is to blame. None of my Drs. are willing to say that for sure though. I hope this post is informative and not the cause of more fear and depression. Again, thank you so much for providing me this link!