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About you Heart. Has anyone had pericarditis? It is when the sack around the heart filled with fluid it comes from RA I had open heart surge

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Avenel, NJ
December 28, 2025
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myRAteam

Have you or others experienced pericarditis related to RA?

Yes, pericarditis (inflammation of the tissue around the heart) is a recognized complication of rheumatoid arthritis. It's one of several cardiovascular conditions that can affect people with RA due to chronic inflammation.

People with RA face nearly twice the Show Full Answer

Have you or others experienced pericarditis related to RA?

Yes, pericarditis (inflammation of the tissue around the heart) is a recognized complication of rheumatoid arthritis. It's one of several cardiovascular conditions that can affect people with RA due to chronic inflammation.

People with RA face nearly twice the risk of developing various heart conditions compared to those without RA. The ongoing inflammation from RA can damage not just joints, but also the heart and blood vessels in approximately 40 percent of cases.

Common heart-related complications with RA include:
- Pericarditis (inflammation of heart tissue)
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease

Going through open heart surgery is a significant experience. Managing both RA and heart complications can be challenging, as a myRAteam member shared: "I have been having a major flare. The inflammation has exacerbated problems in my lungs, and today I learned, possibly my heart."

It's important to work closely with both your rheumatologist and cardiologist to manage inflammation and monitor your heart health. Keeping RA inflammation under control is key to reducing further cardiovascular risks.

December 28, 2025
A myRAteam Member

Yes I did have Pericarditis and it was a rough recovery. I had open heart and throat I window in the sack that holds your heart. Yiu only get if only Infection, Cancer, orcRA
My sack was filled to 250 ml the heart drowns at 300ml
I’m still here at 71 years. I try to always but a smile on my face

February 2
A myRAteam Member

I have answered this question several time I had open heart surgery Yes I had it and it was a tough recivery

January 28
A myRAteam Member

They had to do open heart surgery. Ther was 250 ml and the heart driwns at 309ml. I have a window in the pericardial to reside water. I get an Rvho cardiac ever 6 months sometime sooner

December 28, 2025
A myRAteam Member

I did have it one time many years ago, but I was able to be treated at home. Er told me if it didn't start improving by the next day I'd have to be admitted. Thank goodness it helped. So painful.

December 28, 2025

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