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A New Free Report - What Is Lupus?
This fascinating new report from UK-based publishing house Health Research Today answers some of the most-asked questions about this baffling disease :
- What is the medical definition of lupus?
- What are the symptoms of lupus?
- What tests are there for lupus? How do you get a diagnosis?
Fill in this form and we will send you the report immediately, which you are welcome to send on to friends or family!
The Symptoms of Lupus
This article is an extract from the ebook Freedom From Lupus!
Heart and Lungs
People with lupus are at a higher risk for cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders. Coronary disease alone accounts for one-third of all SLE related deaths. Pulmonary hemorrhage only occurs in 1 percent of lupus patients but accounts for 10 percent of lupus deaths. The effect lupus has on the heart and lungs is very serious, and special attention need to be placed in identifying lupus-related issues surrounding these two systems.
The Heart
GERD
Chest pain is not uncommon in lupus patients, but heart disease is not necessarily indicated. Most often the pain felt in the chest is a result of GERD, or acid backing up in the esophagus. Esophageal pain can be caused by sensitivity to food or medicine, so it is often treated with antacids.
Myocarditis
Myocarditis is experienced by 10 percent of lupus patients, and it is commonly believed that 40 percent of SLE patients may have had previous myocardial involvement. The disease is characterized by rapid pulse, chest pain, and x-rays showing an enlarged heart. There may even be signs of congestive heart failure. Myocarditis may be caused by infections, and lupus patients are notoriously prone to infections.
Congestive Heart Failure
While 5 to 10 percent of lupus patients suffer from congestive heart failure, the incidence of the condition is decreasing. Congestive heart failure can be caused by prolonged use of corticosteroids, fevers, or heart valve disorders.
Artherosclerotic Heart Disease
Artherosclerotic heart disease is more commonly known as hardening of the arteries. It is the third most common cause of death in lupus patients, however it may be more prevalent because new treatments are enabling patients to live longer than ever before.
Miscellaneous Heart Conditions
Tachycardia is a persistent rapid heartbeat that can result from persistent fevers or inflammation. The cause of tachycardia needs to be checked, because it can come from infection or the thyroid instead of being lupus related. Also common in lupus patients are angina pectoris and irregular heartbeats. However, like tachycardia, the causes need to be checked by a physician.
Pericardial effusions are present in 50 percent of lupus patients undergoing an ultrasound, and pericarditis is found in 60 percent of autopsied lupus patients. Pericarditis means that the sac surrounding the heart (pericardium) is filled with several thousand white blood cells.
Hypertension is also common in lupus patients, occurring in 25 to 30 percent of patients. Hypertension is diagnosed when the blood pressure is 140/90 or above.
Read the rest of this article in Freedom From Lupus!
© Health Research Today
