Absolutely contact your doctor. My brother had RA, and his did cause usual joint swelling, but we didn't realize that it was also causing inflammation of his internal organs especially heart and lungs. He was just diagnosed and hadn't even gotten to a rheumatologist yet. He went into the hospital when a cold turned into pneumonia. All of a sudden he crashed, spent two weeks in the ICU where they tried to stabilize him but couldn't and he died. He was 35. So be concerned. Be seemingly paranoid. It might save your life.

I agree abut also have yourself checked out for edema. It could be kidney related.

My rheumatologist is always concerned about my heart. I have a great cardiologist. Last month I had preop EKG performed for minor surgery. The EKG machine said I had a heart attack. My cardiologist gave me a stress test and echo last week. I get the results this week. I have been having chest pain and swelling of ankles and feet. I'll try to remember to update you on what docs say. It is true that RA can cause many other problems, including heart disease.

I read it on rheumatoidarthritis.net I believe

See a cardiologist to make sure.