My Cardiologist is puzzled,my heart failure is different as I have preserved ejection fraction.
I am so happy you got the issue looked at. Women, specially those with Lupus, have a higher chance of heart issues. I am with WomenHeart and it's very sad to see how many of the women are misdiagnosed as I was years ago. Twenty years ago I had bypass surgery 2 times 8 months apart. I'm happy that 7 stents and numerous procedures and I am still around. My coronary heart blockages were likely part of my lupus. Good luck and if you feel something is wrong, listen to your gut even if it means fighting your doctor on it.
Lupus destroyed my mitral valve and I had to have it replaced twice; lupus the caused severe rhythm issues and I had many procedures to correct it and now have a pacemaker! But I am still having issues as the lupus is still affecting the heart tissue! I agree with having rheumatologist and cardiologist work together is a key component to a lupus patients heart treatments!
I suffered from right heart failure which my doctors have concluded was due to lupus. No other reason for me to have pulmonary hypertension and RHF. The more I learn about both diseases really gets me down and anxious. Trying to keep my chin up and be as normal as I can in my daily life. Some days are tough!
Find a doctor at a large medical center who is not only a cardiologist but is willing to work with your rhuematoglist as well. I'm still looking. Next step for me is University of Wisconsin Madison Medical Center at the advice of a great doctor at Mayo Clinic.
I would suggest that if you have heart disease to check out WomenHeart.org or WomenHeart on Facebook. They are a fantastic resource for heart disease but again, they need educating about how many of their heart patients are actually Lupus patients as well and often before the heart disease starts.
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