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Real members of MyLupusTeam 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.

What causes Lupus to mimic a heart attack

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Oxford, MS

I have a hiatal hernia also and Angina. I don't know which is fearing when I have chest pains so my Primary MD says to go to the godpital to rule out a heart attack.

June 14, 2025
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MyLupusTeam

Lupus can affect your heart in several ways that may cause chest pain similar to a heart attack:

• Inflammation of heart tissues and valves
• Atherosclerosis (buildup in artery walls)
• Increased risk of blood clots
• Heart muscle inflammation (myocarditis) Your doctor is giving good advice - since lupus significantly Show Full Answer

Lupus can affect your heart in several ways that may cause chest pain similar to a heart attack:

• Inflammation of heart tissues and valves
• Atherosclerosis (buildup in artery walls)
• Increased risk of blood clots
• Heart muscle inflammation (myocarditis) Your doctor is giving good advice - since lupus significantly increases heart attack risk, especially in younger people, it's important to take chest pain seriously. Women with lupus aged 35-44 have a 50 times higher risk of heart attack compared to those without lupus.

When experiencing chest pain, it's always better to get checked at the hospital to rule out a heart attack, even if it turns out to be related to your other conditions. This is the safest approach given the serious cardiac risks associated with lupus.

June 14, 2025
A MyLupusTeam Member

I would definitely r/o a heart attack, but my digestive system has been affected by scleroderma and lupus...I had a manometry done and found out that I have esophageal spasms! They hurt SO bad! I take hyoscyamine, an antispasmodic. I'm not saying that is what is what is happening to you, but it's worth checking out. Good luck to you!

June 14, 2025
A MyLupusTeam Member

Mine too!! My GI doc did a manometry test and I have esophageal spasms! They hurt SO bad! I have medication now for it thank God!!

June 22, 2025
A MyLupusTeam Member

Could be pericarditis? Inflammation around the lining of the heart.

June 14, 2025
A MyLupusTeam Member

I find that my ácid reflux mímics pain in my chest that makes me feel like I'm having a heart attack if I think on it to long it spills over to a pánic att ack.

June 21, 2025

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