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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Have any if you had heart or lung issues due to RA?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Alabama
March 24
 · 
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A myRAteam Member

Yes, RA can sometimes affect the heart and lungs because it is not just a joint disease but a systemic one. Some people develop issues like inflammation around the lungs or a higher risk of heart problems. It does not happen to everyone, but it is important to keep regular checkups and watch for symptoms. Staying connected with communities like Antardhwani can also help you learn from others’ experiences.

March 25
A myRAteam Member

I agree. I have regular chest x-raysays and scans,MRI scans, CAT scans, PET scans, and they do those regularly.

March 25
myRAteam

Have you experienced heart or lung issues due to RA?

Yes, many myRAteam members have shared experiences with heart and lung complications related to RA. One member wrote, "The inflammation has exacerbated problems in my lungs, and today I learned, possibly my heart." Another shared, "I had a really bad night. Woke up in Show Full Answer

Have you experienced heart or lung issues due to RA?

Yes, many myRAteam members have shared experiences with heart and lung complications related to RA. One member wrote, "The inflammation has exacerbated problems in my lungs, and today I learned, possibly my heart." Another shared, "I had a really bad night. Woke up in the early a.m. with my heart racing and my back tight. Since I have coronary artery disease, I immediately thought, 'heart attack.'"

Regarding lung issues, a member described: "I can't do simple stretches and it's hard to breathe and sleep."

Why does this happen?

RA-related inflammation doesn't just affect your joints—it can impact your heart and lungs too. People with RA are almost twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease and about eight times more likely to have lung disease than the general population.

Common heart complications include:
* Heart attack and stroke
* Heart failure
* Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
* Atherosclerosis (fatty plaques in arteries)

Common lung complications include:
* Interstitial lung disease (lung scarring)
* Shortness of breath and dry cough
* Pleural effusion (fluid around lungs)
* Pulmonary nodules

What can help?

Keeping your RA inflammation under control is key to reducing these risks. This means staying on your treatment plan and working closely with both your rheumatologist and primary care doctor for regular monitoring of heart and lung health.

March 24

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