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My bloodpressure was 89/44 at the ER, the ecg was flagged as abnormal anterior infarction, I was in bad shape. Does anybody else have that

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Berlin Köpenick, DE

and what can be done? It is happening so often, I still haven't received the suggested pacemaker.......

August 27
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone in Germany dealing with dangerously low blood pressure, abnormal ECG findings, and a long wait for a needed... Read more

Members rallied around someone in Germany dealing with dangerously low blood pressure, abnormal ECG findings, and a long wait for a needed pacemaker, sharing their own frightening cardiac and autoimmune experiences. Several members described similar struggles including heart stents, blood transfusions, gastric ulcers, and heart rates as low as 25 bpm, with one member noting a wireless pacemaker brought their heart rate up to a safe level. A recurring theme was the importance of finding a trusted cardiologist quickly, with a nurse in the community offering a gentle caution about self-medicating with steroids and urging the original poster to seek expedited cardiac care.

MyLupusTeam

Living with lupus and managing complex cardiac issues like low blood pressure, an abnormal ECG, anterior infarction, and a pacemaker is a lot to navigate. Lupus-related inflammation can directly affect the heart and blood vessels, which is why cardiac complications are taken so seriously with this condition.

Here's a Show Full Answer

Living with lupus and managing complex cardiac issues like low blood pressure, an abnormal ECG, anterior infarction, and a pacemaker is a lot to navigate. Lupus-related inflammation can directly affect the heart and blood vessels, which is why cardiac complications are taken so seriously with this condition.

Here's a breakdown of how lupus connects to these cardiac concerns:

- Low blood pressure — On its own, low blood pressure isn't always dangerous unless it causes symptoms like dizziness, fainting, blurry vision, confusion, or unusual fatigue. If those symptoms are present, it's worth flagging with a doctor right away.
- Abnormal ECG / heart rhythm issues — Lupus inflammation can affect the heart muscle (myocarditis) and the membrane around the heart (pericarditis), both of which can show up as abnormal readings on an ECG.
- Anterior infarction / cardiovascular disease — Cardiovascular disease is actually the leading cause of death in people with lupus, not lupus itself. Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries) is the most common heart problem in lupus and can lead to reduced blood flow and clotting.
- Pacemaker — A pacemaker may be needed when lupus-related inflammation disrupts the heart's electrical system or causes persistent rhythm problems. A MyLupusTeam member shared their experience: *"I have heart problems as a result of lupus. I was having trouble breathing, and my doctor ordered a cardiac MRI with contrast, which showed inflammation around the lining of the heart."*

Given the combination of symptoms and cardiac history here, staying closely connected with both a rheumatologist and a cardiologist is really important. Early screening and monitoring can catch changes before they become more serious.

If any of the following occur, seek emergency care immediately:

- Severe or sudden chest pain
- Significant shortness of breath
- Numbness or paralysis in the face, arm, or leg
- Trouble speaking, walking, or seeing
- Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly

August 27
A MyLupusTeam Member

Natasha, please be careful about self-medicating with steroids, as coming off steroids can contribute to low blood pressure due to suppression of adrenal gland function.

In your case, cardiac issues seem to be the primary cause, so please see if your PCP/internist can expedite your appointment with a new cardiologist! Keep us posted, please.💜

August 29
A MyLupusTeam Member

What is your heart rate? A pacemaker doesn't help with low blood pressure. I am not questioning your symptoms, trying to understand. I am a RN.

August 27
A MyLupusTeam Member

Awwww Natasha I hope you feel better soon 💜

August 29
A MyLupusTeam Member

I quit taking statins several years ago. The cholesterol is high, but everyone in my family has CAD & heart disease. Vitamin supplements are my ritual. But buying the best supplements was difficult to find. Lupus SLE, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogrens, Hashimoto and other autoimmune names have plagued me for years. I'm taking so much medicine that if I died in the desert, nothing would grow around me LOL. I try to reduce stress and focus on positive things. For the time left in this body I'll do what I can to help others. I refuse to define myself as a suffering old woman. We are warriors and I'm sending a virtual hug to you. Don't let the almighty doctors get you down. They are only people.

August 29

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